One thing we know for sure is that managing weight long-term is a lifelong effort for most.  We also know that people are capable of lifelong hard work if that work is in the direction of things that are really important to them. 

The biology of weight loss is anchored in the body defending its highest weight for survival.  Thousands of years ago, when the centers in our brain that control weight developed, weight loss was never a good thing.  It meant that you were sick, or that there was an interruption in the food supply.   So, in response to weight loss, our body increases our hunger hormones, decreases our fullness hormones, and reduces our metabolic rate to preserve body fat and promote weight re-gain.

Knowing this is what happens when we lose weight, we need to focus on medical and behavioural strategies aimed at helping us overcome these biological realities.  And tapping into our values is one behavioural strategy that has been proven to help people stick with behaviours that promote weight maintenance.

Ask yourself: "What are the things that are important enough to me in my life that they make me willing to work long term, through difficulty and setbacks? What are the things that I do not want my health and my weight to prevent me from doing long into the future?"

Answering this question and then practicing daily reflection can be an important tool in your weight management journey. Reflection sounds like: "Were my behaviours yesterday aligned with what is important to me?".

Contact us at the Medical Weight Management Centre of Canada to learn more about how we support your long-term success in managing weight.