The key to keeping the weight off

It’s not willpower. It’s not knowledge of the latest nutrition and weight loss science (although I’d argue that helps). It’s not even consistency in eating healthy foods.

It’s curiosity.

That’s it.

The people that I’ve observed having the greatest and longest-lasting success in managing a healthy weight are the ones who stay curious and flexible towards themselves, their bodies, and their own wellness.

We are not robots

I think there’s this idea within the weight loss industry that if we just follow a particular plan, we’ll hit our weight loss goal. Eat these foods. Stick to this calorie limit. But the fact is, weight management is not that rigid. Weight loss doesn’t even work like that from a scientific point of view; it’s more about nutrition than calories in vs calories out. And besides – we’re not robots, and I don’t think we should live like we are. 

We strive to have rich, varied and fun lives. We go on holiday. We have birthdays. We socialise with friends. We can’t have a robotic eating plan that doesn’t flex for these times. It’s not feasible to sell that idea to people: it’s just setting them up for failure. Celebrations are enjoyable, and a huge part of what life is all about.

People that sustain weight loss have discovered how to enjoy themselves and make healthy choices in a good balance. And that’s because they’re curious about their bodies and their health, and how their choices really make them feel. 

For example, they’ll notice how well they’re sleeping when they’re eating in a way that suits them. They’ll notice how much energy they have during the day. They might have observed that they’re less anxious, or are experiencing fewer spikes in hunger, or that their knees no longer hurt or they’re less breathless when they’re having a day out with their friends.

They’re curious about themselves. They’re noticing how great their body feels when they’re healthier. They’re thinking beyond the number on the scales.

Becoming your own barometer

These people also notice when they feel particularly rubbish after eating or drinking certain things. They’ll be honest about how particular meals or drinks really make them feel. They’ll tune into where their own personal tolerances are for different foods, and ultimately decide what works for them. That’s not to say they’re strict with food or drink; they eat the cake at the birthday party, and drink the wine on holiday. But they notice how they feel afterwards. And if they don’t feel good, they make different choices in future, because of how they want to feel.

Interestingly, the Wegovy and Mounjaro weight loss medications often have the effect of helping people to notice their bodies. The most obvious thing they notice is when they feel full. But some people taking the medication often go to eat their usual favourite (unhealthy) foods, and notice that they just don’t fancy them. And some notice they actively want to eat healthier things, or that they have more energy due to their different food choices.

I think this act of “noticing” is such a great habit to get into, and I would encourage everyone to do it, whatever path you choose to a healthy weight. If you can get to a point where your body is well, and you’re listening to what it’s telling you, you are accessing a built-in barometer for health: a barometer that you can check whenever you like.

And that means you have the tools to stay your version of healthy for the rest of your life.

Surely that’s better than an off-the-shelf diet plan?