Why 92% of Weight Loss Goals Fail (And How to Be in the 8% That Succeed)

Healthy Weight Awareness Month begins in January. Many people set ambitious weight loss goals during this time, but these resolutions rarely survive past January. The simple formula appears straightforward - increased activity combined with fewer calories equals weight loss. However, achieving sustainable results is nowhere near as straightforward.

Most people experience disappointment instead of success because they set unrealistic targets. A 2020 study reveals an encouraging insight - people who concentrate on their positive achievements rather than restrictions achieve better resolution outcomes. Success comes to those who understand how to set proper weight loss goals. This understanding, combined with the realization that weight management is a trip rather than a quick fix, can help you become part of the select few who maintain lasting results.

Why Most Weight Loss Goals Are Set Up to Fail

Quick fixes can be tempting but they don't work in the long run. Your metabolic rate slows down when you cut calories too much, so weight loss becomes harder over time. These approaches don't deal very well with the habits that caused weight gain in the first place.

The effects go way beyond physical health. Crash diets can create dangerous cycles of restriction and binging that lead to nutrient deficiencies and eating disorders. Studies show that missing weight loss targets strongly connects to disappointment and future weight loss struggles.

Successful weight management doesn't need perfect eating or strict rules. The focus should be on creating lifestyle changes that stick, and nourishing yourself with nutrient-rich, real food. Note that even modest weight loss can substantially improve your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Building a Sustainable Weight Loss System

Weight management requires a structured plan to create lasting changes. People who make small, doable lifestyle changes tend to keep their weight off longer. Our fitness and nutrition coaches can help you set realistic, achievable goals — and give you the tools to see lasting change.

Weight management works best when you combine dietary changes with more physical activity. Studies show this integrated approach works better than changing diet alone. You'll need to create an energy deficit where you burn more calories than you consume.

Support systems are vital to your success. Research shows that joining group fitness classes help you achieve better results than doing it alone. Group fitness classes provide accountability, camaraderie, a mix of workouts to keep things challenging and more fun, and also provide a great opportunity to meet similarly fitness-goal oriented peers. What’s more, our group fitness instructors can also provide nutritional coaching and guidance. 

Creating Your Success Blueprint

Your path to weight loss success starts when you understand what you need and what challenges you face. Research shows that successful weight loss programs help you set specific goals that lead to healthy lifestyle habits. On top of that, it provides counseling to develop and maintain healthier habits, especially when you have setbacks to overcome.

Your success blueprint needs these vital components:

• Set meaningful goals and establish your 'why'

• Create a realistic timeline for progress

• Develop maintainable eating and exercise habits

• Build a strong support system for accountability

• Address stress management and sleep quality

• Make a plan to ensure you are getting nutrient-rich meals 

Your success relies on continuous support and monitoring. You should look for programs that provide ongoing accountability like our group fitness classes and personal training programs, as this is a vital part of maintaining your original success.

Turning Weight Loss Goals into Lifestyle Changes with Meal Planning

You can turn temporary weight loss goals into permanent lifestyle changes by automating your healthy choices. Studies show that healthy behaviors become more automatic when you remove the 'choice' element from daily decisions.

Meal prep is one great way to do this. By planning your meals ahead, whether shopping and cooking yourself or ordering from our meal prep company, your daily choices change substantially when you have healthy options planned and ready to go. 

Willpower fades as the day progresses, so this is another reason that automating your meal choices can support your weight loss goals. Research shows that planned meals help you maintain healthy eating patterns and supports your long-term success.

Note that consistent small improvements lead to lasting change. Research shows that people who keep their weight off focus on positive actions, like 21 minutes of daily activity, instead of restrictive goals.

Conclusion

Weight loss success happens when you change your mindset from quick-fix diets to lifestyle changes. Research shows that successful people focus on positive achievements instead of restrictions, and their weight loss journeys become easier with time.

People who maintain their weight share common habits: 

FITNESS - they stay active

NUTRITION - they eat nutrient-rich meals at regular times

ACCOUNTABILITY - they have a support system in place to keep them accountable 

A strong support system improves your chances of success by a lot. Reach out to book your free fitness and nutrition consult or join a group fitness class on us!