Don’t let that New Year’s resolution slip stop your journey to lose weight
(BPT) – The tradition of making new goals and resolutions each year to lose weight is nothing new. We all know making those resolutions and keeping them are two very different things. In fact, of people who self-reported as overweight or obese, when asked if they have ever made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, 72 percent of women said, “Yes,” and of these women, 79 percent have failed to successfully lose it. These figures come from a U.S. marketing survey, led by Braun Research, Inc. and commissioned by Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. This survey was conducted via telephone with 305 women, aged 18 or older, and the results were weighted based on U.S. census statistics. (1)
“I know how hard it can be to really commit to losing weight,” says Dr. Holly Wyatt, a renowned weight loss expert and medical director on ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss. “Too often people slip up on their New Year’s resolution to lose weight, feel guilty about it, and don’t try again. So, I partnered with Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., to encourage people to recognize that they are not alone in this process. Talking with their healthcare professional to discuss a realistic diet, exercise and behavior modification program that is right for them can really make a difference.”
In the United States, approximately 66 percent of women age 20 and older are overweight or obese (BMI = 25 kg/m2), and obesity can raise the risk of other serious conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. (2, 3) Working with your healthcare professional can help you assess your readiness by considering factors, such as your previous weight loss challenges and successes, support network, understanding of overweight and obesity, time availability, and potential obstacles.
Dr. Wyatt recently helped launch Resolve Now: Stay Ahead of the Curve (www.iResolveNow.com), a new campaign designed to inspire overweight and obese women struggling with their weight to take action now and talk with their healthcare professional about a weight loss plan, including diet, exercise and other options, which may include a prescription medication, if appropriate, for obese, and overweight people with a BMI = 27kg/m² and a weight-related condition.
Sara Rue, an actress best known for her leading roles on Impastor, Less Than Perfect, Malibu Country and Popular, and recurring appearances on the CBS comedy, Mom, and the Fox series Bones, knows what it’s like to struggle with weight loss, which is why she’s also involved in the campaign. Her journey to shed the pounds has also been filled with ups and downs.
“I’ve always struggled with my weight, and I realized in my 30s I needed to make a long-term change,” Rue says. “We all have that moment when we sit back and think about where we want to be in five to 10 years. I had this moment and saw a certain image of myself — one that was healthy and comfortable in my own body, but that wasn’t my reality at the time. I knew I had to take action.”
“We want to help women make each day a good day to resolve now to stay ahead of the curve on their journey to lose weight,” Rue added.
Visit iResolveNow.com for tips from Dr. Wyatt on how to stay motivated in your journey to lose weight, learn about different treatment options and participate in a cartoon caption contest for a chance to win prizes to help you reach your weight loss goals.