Maintaining weight loss

Long time readers know that I lost approximately 35 pounds over the course of 1 year (starting Memorial Day 2013).  Losing weight required persistence, smarter eating and increased exercise.  Unlike the Biggest Losers , I have maintained my weight loss, now for 2 years.  The data on why are not clear, but these links raise some thoughts that I will use to explain the success. How Weight Loss Affects Metabolism Program participation results in long-term weight loss These articles and others that I have read suggest a couple of reasons for my continued success: I weigh regularly, and pay attention to my weight. I lost weight slowly by changing my lifestyle. I have generally continued the lifestyle changes – regular exercise, better (although not perfect) dietary choices. I started with a BMI of around 29, thus I was technically overweight but not obese.  As obesity goes to morbid obesity, the impact on resting metabolic rate worsens dramatically. My advice thus is to embrace weight loss and maintenance as a high priority.  When I gain a pound, I react.  When I have had injuries that precluded running for a few weeks, my weight crept up 2-3 pounds.  Clearly, my running does matter.  I both burn calories through running, but running also reminds me to eat more healthy. There is not quick fix.  There is not perfect advice.  Losing weight is worth it.  Every day as I look in the mirror, I smile to see the difference from Memorial Day 2013.  I feel so much bette...
Source: DB's Medical Rants - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Medical Rants Source Type: blogs