Weight Loss Information -- Setting Effective Goals

Weight loss information is often confusing and misleading. The more specific we are in discussing weight loss information the better it is for everyone. Here's an example...realistic goals. What are realistic goals? I wrote an article not to long ago that defined "realistic" as a 5-10% reduction of your total body weight. The 5-10% reduction is all the weight you need to lose to show a health benefit or improvement.

But I think there is a more specific term that can be used when disseminating weight loss information, specifically dieting goals. How about Effective Goals. What are effective goals? Effective goals are:

1) Specific and measurable
2) Attainable
3) Forgiving

"Exercise more" is a great idea, but it's not specific. "Walk 1 hour everyday" is specific and measurable, but is it attainable? Maybe, maybe not. "Walk 1 hour 3 times per week" is a great goal. It's specific, measurable, attainable, and forgiving (leaves room to miss a day).

A behavioral technique, called shaping, utilizes this concept of effective goals, but makes it even better. It uses only small short-term goals that get closer and closer to the ultimate goal. It is based on the concept that "nothing succeeds like success." Shaping uses two important behavioral principles:

1) Consecutive goals that move you ahead in small steps are the best way to reach a distant point.

2) Consecutive rewards help to keep you motivated.

I am going to start using Effective Goals instead of "realistic ones." So, your weight loss information for the day...set effective goals and "shape" them.

To Healthy Living!

Michael A. Smith, MD
Weight Loss Professional

Dr. Smith is the primary physician and consultant for the Weight Loss Professional Website. His interests include preventative medicine, the genetic etiology of obesity, and several others too numerous to list. Please visit his Website at http://www.weight-loss-professional.com/article and let him know what you think.

---

Will I get faster results with a Personal Trainer?

If you pick the right personal trainer?you'll most definitely see... Read More

Obesity Acceptance and Fat Acceptance: Different Labels; Same Dangerous Message

Obesity acceptance, also known as fat acceptance, has a simple,... Read More

Low-Carb Diets - An Introduction

According to a recent survey by the National Health Institute,... Read More

Exercise, Diet and Weight Loss ? When Do Your Desires Turn into Lifestyle Habits?

Just one more day I can do this, I told... Read More

An Interesting Look at Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery has many forms and can involve stapling... Read More

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #5

Wow! You must be on fire by now burning and... Read More

Change Your Habits for Effective and Long Term Weight Loss

More likely than not a diet with end up a... Read More

Do You Want To Lose Weight Without Going Crazy?

Here's what to do if you want to wear that... Read More

Weight Loss Tips: Get Free and Effective Weight Loss Tips!

Looking for Diet Programs on net is like looking for... Read More

Secrets of Gastric Bypass Surgery: Lose Weight Without Surgery

There's more to gastric bypass than surgery and rapid massive... Read More

No One Ever Got Fat Eating Broccoli!

Diet tips for losing weight abound. Some are good, some... Read More

Mexican Living: Too Dang Fat!

I thought I could avoid this when we moved to... Read More

Staying Toned After Weight Loss

Staying Toned After Weight Loss Following significant weight loss,... Read More

Weight Loss Frustrations? Slippery Slopes ? One Fall And Down You May Go!

If you have ever been snow skiing you know that... Read More

Why Are There Different Diet Types?

Diet is a dreadful word for most of us because... Read More

Lose Weight With Soy!

The humble soybean boasts some extraordinary benefits. This nutritional powerhouse... Read More

The Top Ten Things You Dont Want to Hear About Losing Weight

(But What You Need to Know if You Want to... Read More

Why Do Gastric Bypass Patients Get Sleepy After Eating?

Have you noticed since your WLS and return to regular... Read More

Atkins Diet Plan - Whats The Catch

The Atkins diet Plan breakfast can usually composed of eggs... Read More

Blow Those Fat Cells to Smitherines in Just 9 Short Days

Close kept secrets to weight loss: Give me 9 days... Read More

Setting Morning Intentions For Success

Ever heard of the expression, "Getting up on the wrong... Read More

Are Your Co-Workers Making You Fat? Avoiding Unexpected Treats

Taming the See Food Eat Food ResponseWhat happens when you're... Read More

The Calorie Formula -understand Them and Lose Them

We have all heard of those new diets, Atkins, low... Read More

Obesity in Old Age May Disable, Not Kill

Many physical problems are related to obese condition, like difficulties... Read More

The Key to Weight Loss: The INSIDE OUT Factor ? The #1 Mindset in Changing Your Weight Forever!

WHAT DOES BEING FIT REALLY MEAN?The "INSIDE-OUT" approach to fitness... Read More

Is Obesity a Disease? And What Should Be Done About It?

You have noticed your obese friend suddenly slimmer. You want... Read More

Weight Loss Story -- What Did I Do Wrong?

Two basic approaches to losing weight; one approach is correct... Read More

Lost Weight with Gastric Bypass? Hints for Great After Pictures

I clearly remember how much I loathed having my picture... Read More

Maintaining Your Weight Loss Momentum Away On Vacation

Going away for your holidays will also bring with it... Read More

Diet Pills: Tremendous Temptation, Huge Frauds

False campaignsMore than 50 percent of Americans and Canadians are... Read More

Fat Acceptance

With tons of information out there on "Fat Acceptance" does... Read More

Weight Loss - Attitude Counts

Weight loss specialists will tell you that attitude has a... Read More

The True Weight Loss Approach ? Five Step Common Sense Plan!

Some of you will not like what I have to... Read More