Mayo Clinic in Rochester

Wednesday, May 31, 2000

Tips for Maintaining Weight Loss

ROCHESTER, MINN. -- So you’ve finally lost those extra pounds you’ve battled with for years. You’re more energetic, healthy and proud of yourself. But in the back of your mind you worry that you’ll gain it all back. Unfortunately, your fears are well founded. According to the June issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource, 95 percent of those who lose weight gain it back within five years. So what can you do to beat those odds?

For starters, do it for yourself. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology concludes that people who are "autonomously motivated" are more likely to keep the weight off than those whose diets are motivated by external factors.

Another factor seems to be setting realistic goals. In general, people who focus on improving their health have more long-term success than their counterparts who want to fit into a size 8 for a class reunion.

One of the most important ways to maintain weight loss is to keep the good habits that got you there. Eating healthy foods and continuing to exercise are critical. Burning between 2,500 and 2,800 calories per week through various exercise intensities may be needed to sustain your desired weight.

More information about maintaining weight loss, including tips on developing a weight loss plan and information about food-portion sizes, is available in the June issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource. Shelly Plutowski 507-284-2417 (days) 507-284-2511 (evenings) e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

In the past I tried to lose weight for external reasons and then finally, I decided to lose weight for my health. That's not to say that my motivation might get side tracked at times. I sometimes focus on external motivators. I still get anxious about maintaining my weight, but the word of God says that he did not give me a spirit of fear but of power and a sound mind. I try to focus on the sound mind. I'm not always successful, but I'm getting better with my thoughts. I really have to focus on the support that God gives me. I try to focus my thoughts on the 5% that are successful by reading some of the comments from people that have maintained for many years (in "Thin for Life"). It seems to calm my fears when I focus on positive things. God is always there to help us. He loves us. :D

P.S. I like all the smilies!!!

Finding what motivates us best is what works. Some just are not motivated to even lose. We have to find that within and lean on God for the grace. What motivated me to lose was vanity. I saw a picture of myself and it was enough to kick me into jumpstart! Glad you are doing so well, and glad you like our new smilies. They are a lot of fun.
:rah: