The beginning of the year is the time when most people set health goals and weight loss is generally at the top of most New Year Resolution lists. If you are struggling with excess weight or obesity, you may have tried different diets and exercise programs in the past, only to end up feeling frustrated and disappointed. You may wonder if there is any hope for you to achieve your weight loss goals and improve your health and quality of life.
The answer is yes, there is hope. But you need to set realistic and specific goals, and follow a plan that works for you. Here are some tips on how to set and achieve your weight loss goals in 2024.
Consult with Your Doctor. Before you start any weight loss program, it is important to consult with your doctor and get a medical evaluation. Your doctor can help you determine your ideal weight range, assess your health risks, and advise you on the best approach for your situation. You may also benefit from some tests, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and thyroid function, to monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Consider Weight Loss Surgery. For patients that are significantly overweight or obese, weight loss surgery is definitely one of the best weight loss solutions available today. At Asian Bariatrics, Dr. Narwaria uses the most advanced minimally invasive techniques and technology to ensure positive outcomes for patients. Asian Bariatrics also provides personalised post-op care, follow-up, and support group activities to help you maintain your weight loss and prevent complications.
Set SMART Goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. These are the characteristics of effective weight loss goals. For example, instead of saying "I want to lose weight", you can say "I want to lose 10 kg in 6 months by following a balanced diet and exercising for 30 minutes, 5 times a week". This way, you have a clear and concrete target, a way to track your progress, a reasonable expectation, and a deadline to motivate you.
Plan Your Action Steps. Once you have your SMART goals, you need to plan your action steps to achieve them. This means breaking down your goals into smaller and manageable tasks, and scheduling them into your daily or weekly routine. For example, you can plan your meals and snacks ahead of time, shop for healthy ingredients, prepare your food in advance, pack your lunch, avoid skipping breakfast, drink more water, limit alcohol and sugary drinks, eat more fruits and vegetables, choose lean protein and whole grains, control your portion sizes, avoid emotional eating, etc. You can also plan your exercise sessions, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, yoga, etc. Choose activities that you enjoy and that suit your fitness level. You can also join a gym, a class, or a group to make it more fun and social.
Monitor and Reward Yourself. Finally, you need to monitor and reward yourself for your efforts and achievements. You can use a journal, an app, a scale, a tape measure, or any other tool to keep track of your weight, your measurements, your calories, your steps, your workouts, etc. You can also use photos, clothes, or other indicators to see how your body and appearance change over time. You can also reward yourself with non-food treats, such as a massage, a movie, a book, a new outfit, a trip, etc. when you reach a milestone or overcome a challenge. This will help you stay motivated and positive throughout your weight loss journey.
Remember, weight loss is not a sprint, but a marathon. It takes time, patience, perseverance, and consistency. But with the right goals, the right plan, the right support, and the right attitude, you can achieve your weight loss goals in 2024 and beyond. Contact Asian Bariatrics today and start your transformation.