I want to lose weight and do not know how to begin or start? This is a question that I hear from many patients. Often, they have tried to lose weight in the past and have not started or did not have the success they were looking for. Sometimes you can become paralyzed with not knowing what to do or how to start.

The first thing is you need to understand is why do you want to lose weight now? Make sure you are doing it for yourself. Try to understand the reasons why you want to lose weight now. It may be to improve your health and energy, to be more active, improve your confidence, to participate in activities with your children. It is very important to understand why you want to lose weight as this will help keep you committed to your goal when you understand your motivations. When you have those moments of weakness where you think you may cheat or give up, focusing on the motivation for your weight loss can help give you the strength to carry-on.

Once you understand the reasons why you want to lose weight it is important to choose a time when you have the best chance of succeeding. I would recommend doing it when life is not stressful. For example, the first week of school may not be the ideal time to start a new weight loss program or the week before your final exam. You want to optimize the conditions for you to have early success with your weight loss journey which often helps you get the momentum you need to keep committed.

Next, I would look at what you have tried to do to lose weight in the past. Identify those things that were successful and those that were not. Identify factors that may have derailed you on your weight loss plan in the past and see how they can be avoided. Also, if something did not work in the past you may want to try something different. This is a good time to meet with your physician or a weight loss clinic to see what options are available to you and if you may benefit from weight loss strategies you have not considered in the past (i.e. meal replacement programs, pharmacotherapy or surgery).

Starting your weight loss journey is never easy. If you focus on why you want to lose weight, a time that works in your life and seek out the support you need it greatly increases your success and ease of starting.