Don't Lose the Weight Loss Race - Think Like the Tortoise and Win!

Do you remember the Aesop Fables story of the Hare and the Tortoise? In this classic story the Hare was making fun of the tortoise for being so slow. Tired of the Hare’s bragging, the Tortoise challenged the Hare to a race.

The cocky Hare quickly gained the lead and ran far ahead of the Tortoise. A bit tired from his run, the Hare decided to lay down and take a nap. 

The Tortoise passed the sleeping Hare and was close to the finish line before the Hare awoke. Shocked, the Hare ran for the finish line, but it was too late. The slow and steady Tortoise crossed the finish line first and won the race.

And so it may be with weight loss.

Be the Tortoise and Win!

A recent study with 183 participants published in the journal, “Obesity” found that those who experienced the highest fluctuation in weight early in the study period had the worst outcomes one and two years out compared to those participants who lost a consistent amount of weight week by week.

Lead study author Emily Feig, PhD who was during the study with Drexel University, commented:

“It seems that developing stable, repeatable behaviors related to food intake and weight loss early on in a weight control program is really important for maintaining changes over the long term."

Study participants who were in the year long study used meal replacement and supporting weight loss behaviors such as self-monitoring, increased physical activity, and calorie tracking. 

Researchers discovered that the greater weight change variability during the initial six weeks were consistent with lower long-tern weight loss success at the 12 and 24-month check-ins.

So what do these findings mean for those of us attempting to achieve weight loss goals?

What This Means for You

Drexel psychology professor Michael Lowe, PhD, points to a potential method to try.

Dr. Lowe commented, “Settle on a weight loss plan that you can maintain week in and week out, even if that means consistently losing 3/4 of a pound each week,”

So, my suggestion? Think like a Tortoise and win the weight loss race.

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Your Weight for Wellness host,

Stephen Carter | CEO Stress Solutions, LLC | http://www.EFT-MD.com

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Study citation: More information: Obesity (2017). DOI: 10.1002/oby.21925

Article link: Shedding consistent pounds each week linked to long-term weight loss. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-08-pounds-week-linked-long-term-weight.html