Setting Modest Weight-loss Goals

Goal setting is a valuable tool for weight loss and maintenance. Setting modest weight-loss goals is important because many overweight people begin a weight loss program expecting to shed many more pounds than will be possible for them. Unrealistically high weight loss expectations may lead to demoralization and poor maintenance of the behavioral changes needed to sustain weight loss.

Successful weight loss strategies embrace small changes, moderate losses, and reasonable goals. Clearly a 1 pound weight loss each week is more achievable than a 40-pound weight loss goal with no particular time frame in mind.

The goal of weight-loss programs must not be to attain individual ideal weight or even to achieve weights below the level of obesity. The goal of weight-loss program should be achieve better health and well being over the long term, and not simply to lose weight. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a weight loss goal of 10% of your initial weight is realistic and achievable.