Forty-five percent of the world is trying to lose weight; yet many of them will fail to lose the weight. Furthermore, 80% who lose significant weight will not keep that weight off after a year. By two years, more than 50% will regain half of the weight lost. What do I know, I know from personal experience that it is difficult to keep the weight off; however, it is NOT IMPOSSIBLE.

What is Behind The Weight Regain

Scientists have found that the basal or resting metabolic rate had decreased in people who lost a significant amount of weight. The decrease in BMR was significant and persisted for a long time. Thus, one suggestion is to find sustainable and healthy ways to rev up your resting metabolic rate.

Added to this is the fact that our satiety hormones are not as responsive, there has been adaptations in the gut microbiome, and the composition of fat tissue has changed. All these factors create a dilemma for people trying to keep the lost weight off. Yet, before you throw your hands up and give up, keep reading.

How YOU Sabotage Your Weight Loss Efforts

There is no doubt that the weight issue is a complicated mix of factors ranging from genetics, behavior, and environmental factors. It is evident that we also recognize the importance of losing the weight. How then can we overcome and increase the probability of keeping the weight off? Accept that there may be some degree of rebound. However, if the weight loss is more gradual and the changes made in your lifestyle are sustainable, that rebound can be minimized.

1. Making lifestyle changes that are not sustainable. If you know you cannot sustain eating 1400 calories for the rest of your life, then choose a smaller decrease in your daily caloric intake.
2. A lack of movement. There are so many ways that we can move and gain the positive benefits without it feeling like exercise. Find ways that you can move more that are enjoyable and sustainable.
3. Chaotic eating and a lack of mindfulness is another way that we sabotage our weight loss efforts. The result being that at the end of the day you have consumed more calories than anticipated.
4. Using food as the treatment for everything that ails you. Your body needs food for one reason, fuel [nutrients] for energy and the proper functioning of your organs. Food is not to treat the emotional, mental, spiritual, or physical discomfort or pains that ail you.
5. Having the wrong mindset and attitude, which will impact your every choice. So, while you want to lose weight, if you are not willing to change your mindset and attitude, you will relapse right back into your unhealthy habits. Get comfortable with the idea that you have to fully embrace change. The change in your habits that may initially be uncomfortable. Also, learn to practice acceptance, accept the fact that there will be sacrifices.  Accept that you can no longer eat the whole pizza pie if you want to keep the weight off.

Shift Your Focus From Weight Loss To Gaining Total Health

Do the work that so many people shy away from by honestly examining your story. The work that many people ignore, because they think their weight problem is only a result of the food they eat. It’s not only what you are feeding your stomach that gets you in trouble, but also what you are feeding your heart, mind and soul that impacts you physically, psychologically, spiritually, and financially. Gain clarity about your relationship with food and the reason food is being used to fill the void in your heart, mind, and soul. Identify your CORE belief(s) about self.