For any amount of weight you may want to lose, starting can be the hardest part. But you can set yourself up for success by creating a plan. Here are some tips to help you achieve and maintain a healthier weight.
Set smaller goals that you can hit along the way. Short-term goals can keep you motivated and on track for the long haul. Don't be vague — the best goals are specific and achievable, like “walking a 5K”, “adding 50 per cent more veggies to my weekday meals,” or “Taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work.”
Change your daily habits. Healthy, maintainable weight loss is best achieved through minor changes to your lifestyle. You're better off making small, consistent changes you can adopt into your everyday life rather than trying a major fad diet or lifestyle overhaul.
Stick with your plan for at least four months. Weight loss can take time, a healthier pace that is more likely to help you keep it off. You likely won't see results right away, but keep making healthier choices anyway. Give yourself at least four months to see a noticeable change.
Get extra help with cravings. For some people, diet and lifestyle changes may only be effective for achieving weight loss in the short term. If you're overweight and have health problems because of it, a new anti-obesity prescription treatment that targets cravings can help. Talk to your doctor about a new treatment option for chronic weight management.