Losing weight can be a difficult and frustrating process, but there are ways to improve your chances of success. Many people turn to fad diets or extreme calorie restriction in an attempt to lose weight quickly, but these methods are often ineffective and can lead to rebound weight gain.
There are a number of proven weight loss strategies that can help you slim down safely and keep the weight off for good. These include eating a healthy diet, reducing calorie intake, increasing physical activity, and making other lifestyle changes.
If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can improve your health and quality of life. Even a small amount of weight loss can lead to significant health benefits, so it’s important to get started on a weight loss plan if you’re carrying around extra weight.
If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to get tips on how to create a healthy eating plan and increase your physical activity. These professionals can also help you set realistic weight loss goals and provide support and motivation to help you reach your goals.
A woman has made a radical change to her lifestyle and shed three stone in weight – and says she feels amazing.
Katie Higgins, 28, from Leeds, was 11st 7lbs and a size 16 when she joined a weight-loss group in January 2019.
She had previously tried and failed to lose weight by following fad diets, but this time she made a permanent change to her lifestyle.
Katie swapped sugary snacks for healthy alternatives, cut out alcohol, and began exercising regularly.
In just 12 months, she had lost three stone and dropped to a size eight.
Katie said: “I’ve tried to lose weight so many times before but I always felt like I was depriving myself.
“I’d go on a diet, lose a bit of weight and then put it all back on again plus more.
“I’d yo-yo diet for years and it took a toll on my mental health. I’d be so down on myself.
“I joined my local weight-loss group in January 2019 and that’s when I really started to change my lifestyle.
“I swapped sugary snacks for fruit and yoghurt, cut out alcohol, and started exercising regularly.
“It’s been a gradual process but I’ve stuck to it and now I’m three stone lighter.
“I feel amazing – I’ve got so much more energy now and I’m not puffed out when I walk up the stairs.
“My clothes fit me better and I feel more confident in myself. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Katie is now encouraging other people who are struggling to lose weight to make small, permanent changes to their lifestyle.
She said: “I’d urge anyone who is struggling to lose weight to make small, sustainable changes rather than following fad diets.
“It’s not easy, but it’s so worth it. I feel like a new person.”
