Un-Natural Weight Loss Goals

Most obese patients have unrealistic weight loss goals. A study of obese women who were about to start a weight loss program is very relevant for this. On average, they reported their goal was to lose 32% of their weight. These women also reported that their "dream" was to lose 38% of their weight, they would be "happy" with a 31% weight loss, they would "accept" a 25% weight loss, but they would be "disappointed" with a 17% weight loss [1].
[1] Foster GD, Wadden TA, Vogt RA, Brewer G. What is a reasonable weight loss? Patients’ expectations and evaluations of obesity treatment outcomes. J Consult Clin Psychol 1997

The Ten Commandments of Weight Loss

What is the most natural way to lose weight? Is there such a thing as natural weight loss?

2. Thou Shalt Set Realistic Goals For Thyself

Be honest - you are here because you want to lose all your extra weight ASAP, aren't you?

Setting realistic goals is often a stumbling block and a source of disappointment for many who want to lose weight. We want to get rid of all the extra fat so badly that we set ourselves for failure by thinking we can do it in a short period of time. Unfortunately things don't work that way...

Think about it: you have gained your extra weight over how many months or years now? It definitely didn't happen overnight! Well, the reverse is also true: you cannot expect to lose it all in a few days or weeks... Even if you'd find a way to do it, this won't be something that you could do for the rest of your life. What you need is a physiologic, natural way to lose weight, a method that you can stick with AND enjoy for the rest of your life!

What is natural weight loss?

There are many ways to lose weight. By natural weight loss we mean following a physiological method that allows your body to adapt to the complex changes involved in permanently removing the excessive weight. Let's hear it for the experts in the field: "The initial goal of weight loss therapy is to reduce body weight by approximately 10 percent from baseline. If this goal is achieved, further weight loss can be attempted, if indicated through further evaluation. A reasonable time line for a 10 percent reduction in body weight is 6 months of therapy." You can read all the details on the NHLBI's website dedicated to natural weight loss or, in their words, obesity and overweight treatment guidelines .

It is extremely important to understand and accept this basic principle of weight loss. As stated above, most people have unrealistic weight loss goals. Studies of overweight/obese persons show that, on average, their immediate goal was to lose 2 to 3 times more than 10% of their baseline weight, which is a totally non-realistic goal.

Our weight loss program follows this natural approach to weight loss. You will lose approximately 1-2 lbs of body weight each week, for approximately 6 months. At the end of the 6 months interval, if you still have excessive weight, you will be re-evaluated and will start another weight loss phase. If, on the other hand, you have achieved your weight loss goal, you will then enter a weight maintenance phase, which will help you avoid regaining the weight you lost.

If you have not registered yet to our natural weight loss program, you are invited to do so now. You have nothing to lose, except for those extra pounds!

Good luck!

Dr Gily

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