A recent article I read showed that only 1 in 10 overweight or obese adults who were told or encouraged to lose weight by a healthcare provider actually sought help for weight loss. Even though, studies show that those who seek help have better weight loss results and tend to keep the weight off longer than those who don’t.

The article went on to show that 7 out of those 10 did go on to make some efforts to lose weight. 6 of those made the choice to pursue weight loss on their own versus working with a professional.

Is this because they/we have the idea that we should be able to handle this on our own?

There is a book by my mentor coach, Brooke Castillo, titled “If I am so Smart, Why Can’t I Lose Weight.”

How many of us ask that very same question?

I should be able to lose the weight on my own.

I should be able to handle this.

I am smart. I am capable. I should be able to figure this out.

Sound familiar? “We should” ourselves. And it doesn’t work.

So why is weight loss so daunting? Why are two-thirds of adults in the US still overweight or obese?

Maybe weight loss is so daunting because it just is. 

We are already so loaded down with “shoulds.” We should be sexy. We should be a better spouse, a better parent, a better employee, a better boss, a better person.

We are encouraged to be or become better versions of ourselves, yet nobody tells us how. Isn’t it interesting how we are so quick to beat ourselves up for not living up to or meeting those expectations when we are given so little guidance on how to actually do it?

In the next post, I will talk about five steps to asking for the help you need. Feel free to contact me if you would like to find out how working with a coach will help you keep your new year’s resolutions and reach your goals with clarity, ease, and grace.

Have a wonderful and happy New Year!!

I will be speaking at McGovern Park (see below) in Milwaukee on January 7 at 10 am. If you are able to come out, I would love to see you there!

Dr. Z