The likelihood of success in losing weight

Society, the media and indeed many healthcare professionals have been judgemental towards overweight and obese people, leaving the responsibility of weight reduction with the person.

It is true that many overweight and obese people are caught in a vicious cycle of weight gain: that is, excessive calorie intake with resultant weight gain, reduced self-esteem, comfort eating, reduced physical activity and further eating.

However, with predictions that by 2010, almost 33% of adult men and 28% of women in England will be obese and an even greater number for older people, one must look further than the individual to changes, which have taken place in food, advertising and the environment, which have caused this epidemic to occur and, which must contribute to this problem.

Education for society in general and for young people in particular, a Health Promotion campaign, changes to the environment and inclusion of sport in school planning and curriculum’s are some way forward, which have been proposed to halt this epidemic.

As far as the individual is concerned, for a weight loss programme to be successful, the person must be motivated as permanent lifestyle changes would need to be made in:

• The sort of food the person eats and the portion size with an increased awareness of the fat and sugar content of food and its nutritional value,
• Activity level – a person has to increase the amount of exercise taken, bearing in mind their own health status, circumstances and lifestyle,
• Behaviour, such as “comfort” eating and “background” eating, which may not be consciously registered by the individual (a food diary would be helpful here). Even small changes to diet (reducing fat and sugar content of food and a small increase in daily exercise) can lead to weight loss and may be more sustainable.
• The knowledge that prevention of weight gain in the first place is easier than trying to get the weight off.

Weight loss goals should be realistic and support from a group situation such as “Weight watchers” or a “buddy” system may be very helpful in encouraging the person and maintaining motivation. A study in the USA has shown that a weight – reduction programme followed at home, with support, is just as successful as a programme which is centre-based.

Maintaining a stable weight is easier than losing excess weight.

However, even a modest weight loss of 10% leads to major long-term health gains such as prevention of Type 2 Diabetes.

Reference: (Science Direct - Management of Obesity & Overweight –M.E.J Lean)

Amended April 2008