Is This the Right Time?
Is this the right time for you to begin a weight loss program? Are you prepared to withstand the rigors of a disciplined program?
The fact of the matter is that many people start programs when they’re only mildly motivated. There are all sorts of motivations: a snug-fitting pair of pants; a special event, such as a wedding or reunion; or pressure from the family to lose weight. These can provide a nudge, but for true success, the motivation has to be very strong. It must also be lasting—you must make a commitment.
Ask yourself some of these questions to see if this is the right time for you.
Are you stressed out or really busy right now?
YES NO
Do you need to lose weight quickly, like over the next month?
YES NO
Are you thinking about starting a diet because a relative, friend, or neighbor is starting one?
YES NO
Are you ready to deprive yourself of your favorite foods now to look thinner in the future?
YES NO
Are you so busy that you are forced to eat most of your meals at restaurants and take-outs?
YES NO
Do you find that food is often on your mind? Or, if you’ve dieted in the past, do you find yourself thinking about food a lot?
YES NO
Do you have a lot of social commitments right now, like dinners, parties, or cocktails with clients?
YES NO
Do you have a physical condition that prevents you from many activities you used to be able to do?
YES NO
Are you pregnant or trying to start a family?
YES NO
Are you working long hours, unable to eat regular meals?
YES NO
If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, the time may not be right to start dieting. You must recognize that many conditions or situations will change, so that even if you are not ready at this time, the right time could arise in the near future.
Let’s face it, weight loss is tough. If you begin a program to control your weight when your motivation is high, your chances of succeeding are even better. What’s more, success requires a long-term commitment and the ability to change many of your attitudes toward food and exercise.
The UPMC Weight Management Center provides nutritional guidance, lifestyle counseling, and professional support to help patients manage their weight more effectively. We understand that you have to do the work. We simply give you the tools to succeed.