In this day and age of the ‘obesity epidemic’ we have access to more diets, and more information about weight loss than ever before. So why does the ‘epidemic’ continue? It’s not like we don’t try to lose weight. It’s not like we don’t spend a lot of money on gym memberships diet plans, diet foods and diet books. It’s not like we don’t put time into exercise routines. It’s not like it doesn’t work…some of the time.
The truth is, diets and exercise plans often help us to lose weight. Keeping the weight off is another thing.
Weight loss often follows a cycle similar to this: Decide to attempt to lose weight => work hard to exercise and diet => lose the weight => relax the harsh diet or the demanding exercise plan => weight loss slows or stops => despair (what’s the point? this never works!) => return to old habits => weight returns => more weight is often added on => further despair => renewed efforts to lose weight completes the cycle.
Why does this cycle usually end with a return of the weight and often additional weight? Because typical weight lose methods don’t include the psychology of weight loss. Weight gain is not just about behaviour (eating, not exercising) — it’s also about the thoughts and feeling that contribute to those behaviours. Weight loss only focuses on the behaviour of weight loss.
We now know that the most effective way to lose weight and maintain weight loss is with the following:
1. A healthy diet
2. Reasonable exercise
3. Psychological counselling for guidance an support
Make an appointment today, and get on the right track this time. It’s also a good idea to discuss your health with your GP to establish where your health is currently; you may even be eligible for medicare funding for psychological counselling.
