Motivation To Lose Weight

Everyone has a different motivation to lose weight. However, a study has found that those who are able to sustain a type of motivation called autonomous motivation during the 4 to 16 week period of a weight loss program, were more likely to actually lose weight at the end of the 16 week program.

This conclusion is summarized in a PsychCentral articled titled, "Motivation Important for Weight Loss."

The study defined autonomous motivation as "the feeling that self-control is the best way to help oneself make changes." The group that maintained and increased their feeling of self-control were more successful at losing weight than those who relied on pressure groups and tactics.

The study also concluded that weight loss programs should consider using methods that strengthen autonomous motivation during the critical 4 to 8 week period of the program. This can include more intense support, or activities that encourage and improve autonomous motivation of the weight loss participants.

Not all of us can afford this type of help, however.

There are several methods that you can use to maintain your motivation to lose weight.

The first is called the Motivational Inoculation method that can help you maintain your self-motivation to stick to the weight loss program as described in the article, "What's the Half-Life of Your Motivation for Weight Management?" These are a series of questions that you should ask yourself and honestly ponder. It is a way for you to understand your internal motivation to lose weight and stick with the program.

Another interesting method to find and maintain your motivation to do something is described in the article, " 10 Ways To Find New Motivation ." Basically,

• Think about what losing weight will give you in return. This will help you maintain your focus on continuing with the program.
• Keep reminding yourself why your are trying to lose weight, and why it is important to you.
• Create a list of ten reasons why you should lose weight. Frequently remind yourself of these ten reasons.
• When thinking about your goal to lose weight, use positive words. Thinking in positive terms about your weight loss goal will help you stick to the program and achieve your goal.

Being positive and staying focused on your internal reasons for your goal along with a strong feeling of self-control will help you maintain your motivation to lose weight.

Find additional info at Motivation to Lose Weight - The Key to Success.

Charles

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