Healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Not all bodies are made to be thin. For some people, a healthy weight is higher than the average weight listed on weight charts. Your healthcare provider can help you decide on a healthy weight for you. Losing weight isn’t the only way to achieve better health. You may choose to lose weight, or to focus on specific health goals.
Reasons to lose weight
Losing weight can help with some health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and arthritis. Losing weight may also help you feel more energetic.
Set your long-term goal
Your goal doesn’t even have to be a specific weight. You may decide on a fitness goal (like being able to walk 5 miles a week) or a health goal (like lowering your blood pressure). Choose a goal that can be measured so you know when you’ve reached it. You also want a goal that is reasonable. Reaching a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25, for example, is not reasonable for everyone. Losing 10 pounds, however, may be.
Make an action plan
Habits don’t change overnight. Setting your goals too high can leave you feeling discouraged. Be realistic. Choose one or two small changes you can make now. Set an action plan for how you are going to make these changes. When you can stick to this plan, make a few more small changes. Taking small steps will help you stay on the path to success.
Track your progress
Write down your goals. Then, keep a daily record of your progress. Write down what you eat and how active you are. This record lets you look back on how much you’ve done. It may also help when you’re feeling frustrated. Reward yourself for success. Even if you don’t reach every goal, give yourself credit for what you do get done.
Get support
Encouragement from others can help make losing weight easier. Ask your family members and friends for support. They may even want to join you. If you need more support on your journey, schedule a session with a Livongo coach. Your coach can give you more information about nutrition, exercise, and weight loss.
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