Weighing in on Weight Loss Resolutions

Struggling with holiday weight gain?

Starting the new year with a diet but fearful that you will not keep your New Year’s resolution to lose  -  or at least not gain  -  weight? 

You are not alone. 

The tradition of stating New Year's resolutions is common, but who among us are able to keep these promises to ourselves? 

According to an internet survey study funded by GlaxoSmithKline and published in 2011 by Copenhagen researchers, a common point in time for women to choose to diet is January  -  39% , followed by March  -  26%, and February  -  22%.

Psychologists at Harvard University state that there are three predominant reasons for New Year's resolutions to fail:

1. Choosing too many resolutions

2. Choosing resolutions that are too vague  -  for example, "I will eat less"

3. Choosing goals that are simply not attainable

So if you want to be successful with your weight loss goals this year, think about making your New Year's resolution to lose weight your only goal. Be very specific in stating it as a measurable goal (such as how many calories you will eat), and choose a goal that is attainable. In addition, these same researchers say that goals are more likely to be successful if they are driven by your own desire and not by someone else.

Need some resources to help you get started? 

Check out the Popular New Year's Resolutions website. It includes links to losing weight and eating healthy food as well as information regarding other resolutions.

Need more resources or diet ideas? Call our Consumer & Patient Health Information Service or email us at library@utmck.edu.

Post by Sandy Oelschlegel