Very Private: Your weight

Why keeping it off is a struggle The latest research confirms that only five to 10 percent of all dieters are able to lose weight and keep it off. Most dieters are weary of the weight loss battles. Having invested in various "scientific" theories, embraced the advice of the latest diet guru, enrolled in weight loss groups, bought costly food plans and numerous diet books, fill-you-up powders and pills, the pounds keep coming back. Why? Why its so hard to lose the weight New scientific data documents that our own bodies actually sabotage any diet effort because they are programmed to regain the weight (and fat) we lose. Physiologically, our bodies actually try to undo what we are so desperately struggling to achieve, shedding health threatening extra pounds, which often lead to diabetes and heart disease. Regaining fat cells is a natural function of our body's mechanism. When we lose pounds and our bodies need less calories, the body's desire for more food triggers a coordinated action involving hormones, the brain, and various metabolic processes designed to replace what was lost. Our will power to commence and stick with a diet competes with our body's impulse to counter this decision. No wonder most dieters complain that it is next to impossible to keep the weight off. "People struggle to shed ten pounds. What they are not aware of is that all of a sudden, these various systems in their bodies are activated not only to stop them from loosing but to actually get all the fat cells back", says Dr. Ken Fujioka, Medical Director for the Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management. "Unfortunately there is no magic bullet to fight the natural forces defending body fat, but the battle can be won." You can win the battle of the bulge So what's the solution? The National Weight Control Registry has collected data from more than 7,000 people on how to lose and maintain weight successfully. Real-life weight loss tips Below are some of the real-life weight loss secrets learned from these interviews: Regular, daily physical activity seems to be the most important component to weight loss. Exercise, even just walking an hour a day affects the body's weight regulating system, not just by burning calories but by making the body function properly. Our bodies were never meant to be TV watching, snack consuming couch potatoes. Making fundamental changes in eating habits is crucial to weight-loss success: Individuals who successfully manage their weight watch what they eat and keep track of it daily. Many use charts or calorie counters so that they don't take in more than they use. Women consume between 1200 and 1700, men between 1800 to 2200 calories a day. There are foods you need to avoid, specifically carbohydrates, sugar and high-fat foods. Instead, successful weight managers eat foods with high water or fibrous content that help stabilize their blood sugar and thus curb the brain signals that promote eating. These foods also slow down the absorption of carbs. Set achievable goals. Get professional help if you need it. When striving to reach your objective remember, sticking to your plan will make the victory a lasting benefit. People who succeed at weight loss make up their minds not to gain pounds back. Most agree that the first two years after the initial weight loss are the hardest. Thereafter, people seem to embrace their new lifestyles and food habits and even come to enjoy it. Support groups make losing and maintaining a weight loss a great deal easier. Monitoring your weight is key to keeping the pounds off. Successful weight manager keep track of their weight and never let weight gain get out of hand. Know what your right weight should be, then set limits within a five pound range. Getting on the scale regularly, at least weekly. When you approach your upper limit, reduce portion size and up exercise until you're back in your safety zone. Jacqui E-mail Jacqui your question: contact.veryprivate@gmail.com Visit: www.veryprivate.com. We never reveal or give out names or addresses. 2007 Brandwynne Corp. All rights reserved.