Extensive profiles of LONGTERM success? - Diet & Nutrition Message Board

sharonped · 06-27-2002, 08:04 PM

I've noticed a few very successful dieters on this board who have actually kept off the weight for 15-20-25 years. With the very long-term success rate at 5%, are there profiles out there of what it takes to be in that 5%? I've come to the conclusion that it doesn't really matter what diet you use to get off the initial weight.

Some of what I've read about long-term success (including some great posts here) include: daily exercise, customizing food intake to something you can do forever (not necessarily a "canned" program), lots of water. Anything else - like what's people's motivation... I have struggled with getting so far, and then the desire to eat what I want, in the quantities I want really becomes more important to me than reaching or maintaining my goal. How can I get "brainwashed" into maintenance?

All answers appreciated!....

justink80 · 06-27-2002, 08:32 PM

What's a more powerful feeling than a sense of accomplishment?

People who have lost weight, and kept it off, have good reason to be proud. Losing weight requires incredible discipline and a major change in a lifestyle. This is not easy, and those who can make that change should be proud.

Basically, when you look in the mirror, would you feel better about yourself if you lost weight? Most people would say yes. A person's perception of themselves can change radically and can cause radical change in your life.

Many overweight people are not as confident as "fit" people. When many people lose weight, a remarkable change can be seen in their personality -- they exude confidence.

On another note, I question the statistics which claim that 95% of people gain the weight back. The statistics don't take into account the kind of "diet" the people followed. I believe that MANY of those people probably followed a more-or-less fad diet, which do not promote lasting weight loss. Fad diets might help a person lose weight, but it does not instill in them the necessary discipline and common-sense which is required to keep the weight off.

I believe two things about permanent weight loss:

1.) In order for permanent weight loss to occur, the weight must be lost at a reasonable rate, thus instilling the necessary change required to keep the weight off.

2.) Their diet must be a diet of moderation, and not complete exclusion of anything.

Lastly, once the weight is off, you will realize how much effort it took, which should be an important motivator to keep it off for good.

Additionally, many people commit "emotional eating" -- overeating is a symptom of an issue. Perhaps if that issue, or issues, are addressed, the emotional eating will cease.

rhody · 06-28-2002, 08:04 PM

I'm one of the 5 percent.

Nearly 20 years ago I lost about 25 pounds in 2 years. I've never gained it back. At age 52 I'm about the same weight as when I was 25 years old. For an American, this is unusual. Most of us are gaining weight all the time, even with our low-carb, low-fat, calorie counting diets.

I made a lifestyle committment. Desserts, sodas, and alcoholic beverages are not part of my life anymore (except in a very rare occasion). Over the years natural foods and exercise have been the key to my success. I don't count anything. I stay within a 5 pound range.

My diet is high in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. I'm not a vegetarian, but eat very little meat. I really believe that success with this, involves a complete change - something that does not waver throughout your lifetime.

I hope this is good motivation for some of you. You too can be part of the 5 percent.