Weight Loss: Are You a Successful Loser? Tell Us About It

I have been working in the field of obesity for over 20 years now, and writing and lecturing about weight loss about that long. While the vast majority of people who try to lose weight fail to do so and keep it off, there are many who do succeed.

I lost over 50 pounds, 20 years ago, and have kept it off since. Many of my clients have lost over 100 pounds and maintained that loss for years and years. It is completely possible to lose weight, even large amounts of weight, and keep it off for good.

The biggest study ever on "weight loss masters" is still going on. It's called the National Weight Control Registry and they have been following thousands of people who have lost 30 pounds, or more, since 1994. If you really want to be successful at weight loss, and weight maintenance, you can be. If thousands of others have done so, you can too.

The biggest obstacles I hear from people who want to lose weight, but don't, are psychological in nature. I hear excuses daily like: "It's too hard to write down my food and keep track of the calories. I don't have time to exercise. I am genetically prone to obesity. I hardly eat anything and yet I'm fat. I start out OK but give up when the going gets tough. It's Christmas, New Years, my birthday, vacation, etc."

All of those are excuses. If I am genetically prone to obesity, does that mean I have to be fat? Of course not. If I am genetically prone to alcoholism, do I have to be a drunk? It's the same thing with obesity. It might be harder for some to lose, and maintain the loss, but lots of things in life are harder for some than others. That is not an excuse not to do it.

There is nothing better than feeling fit, healthy, energetic and vital. None of those feelings were possible for me when I was heavy. You can change your life. Let's hear from those of you who have done it. How did you do it? How do you maintain it? Is it worth the work? Let us know.

If you'd like to participate in the research for Irene's new book about the process of weight loss, and you have already lost weight, please take the survey.

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