Many Americans live with overweight and obesity, which means they weigh more than normal for their height. With more than a third of the US adult population affected by obesity, the market is overflowing with “quick fix” weight loss tips and diets that are unhealthy and unsustainable. Indeed, at the start of every year, favourite snacks are dropped from the grocery cart, gym memberships are soaring, and healthy cooking programs are given second attention as weight loss tops the list of New Year’s resolutions.
Yet for all good intentions, weight loss is no easy task, and for some, it is an ongoing struggle. Why? In reality, obesity is a complex chronic disease that alters how the body uses food and the energy it produces, preventing some people from maintaining the weight loss they’ve achieved.
The result is a lifetime of ups and downs, in addition to emotional, psychological, physical and health implications.
Weight Loss Cycle
According to a recent US ethnographic study conducted by Novo Nordisk, many people affected by obesity often experience cycles of weight loss and weight gain. The phases of this cycle include:
1. Defining the Moment: Feel energized and motivated. I’m ready to do something about my weight.
2. Consideration: Feeling hopeful and determined. I have many options. I will choose the one that will help me achieve the goals I have set for myself.
3. Momentum: Feel confident and excited. I noticed a difference in my weight, and so did everybody else. I can do this.
4. Plains: It’s getting harder. It’s easy to get off course. I’m not losing weight anymore. Life gets in the way. Note: Missteps are common here. It became a challenge to keep my plan. I became frustrated and worried.
5. Collapse: I’m tired of this. I can not go on with this, so I will not do it. I’m really relieved that the pressure is off of me.
6. Fatigue: Feeling tired and sad. I do not even want to consider my weight now.
According to research, individuals normally repeat this cycle as often as possible throughout their lives. Each time, they return to a Defining Moment, such as trying to find the right outfit for a special event, or struggling to fit into a bus or plane seat, motivated again to restart the process with renewed hope. Along the way, many depend on family, friends, or even the media for inspiration and support, often focusing on quick, quick weight loss solutions rather than changes in behavior that may influence choices in the long term.
“Weight cycle is often frustrating for individuals affected by obesity. For too long, individuals have been confronted with the ‘eat less and move more’ response, which simply doesn’t work. We know more about obesity science today than ever before, and we need to leverage this knowledge to help individuals effectively manage their weight and improve their health through safe and effective treatment options,” said Joe Nadglowski, president and CEO of the Obesity Action Coalition. .
As the medical community continues to evolve in its understanding of obesity, many healthcare professionals (HCPs) are prioritizing an open dialogue with their patients about the value of a comprehensive weight management approach. It is this collaboration, many doctors believe, that can play a critical role in helping patients break the cycle and shift the focus from solely weight loss to a long-term view of health and weight maintenance.
“Obesity is a complex, chronic and multifaceted disease that is best managed through a partnership between the patient and their healthcare provider” said Dr. Scott Kahan, MD, MPH, director of the National Center for Weight and Wellness. “Managing weight is not easy, but finding a support network, which may include doctors, nurses, registered dietitians, mental health providers, or others, can provide resources that help with short and long term weight management. Patients are more likely to progress when, working closely with their healthcare network, they have the opportunity to discuss treatment options, create plans, monitor outcomes, and evaluate response to those plans.”
In particular, a treatment plan that’s tailor-made to the patient’s personal considerations, realistic goals, and changing needs over time has the best chance of success. By consulting with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, registered dietitians, and mental health professionals, amongst others, individuals can receive tailor-made and comprehensive support based on their changing weight loss needs. Over time, this can result in long-term behavior changes, which help break the weight loss cycle. A plan that includes the mandatory tools to help the patient build skills for long-term behavior change will provide the most value.
Small Changes Make a Big Difference
While the motivation to lose weight often comes from a desire to have more energy, less pain, better health or to participate in certain activities, many patients have unrealistic ideas about how much weight they must lose to accomplish any level of success. Fortunately, even small increases in weight loss can have a significant impact on overall health and wellness. Many studies show that a 5% to 10% weight loss can reduce health risks related to obesity, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, bad cholesterol, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
If you need help losing or maintaining weight, consider consulting a professional. What worked once may not work again, so it is important to talk to your provider if the weight is not coming off or is gaining back.
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