(BPT) – When you considered New Year’s resolutions this year, were getting healthier and more fit on your list? According to Statista, exercising and eating healthier are the top two resolutions for 2021. It’s not surprising that more people than ever are focused on their health and well-being, as a recent study published by the CDC found that about 74% of Americans are overweight.
The hard part is following through. While many set lofty goals, it’s hard to keep the motivation past the first few months. The key is setting up small changes that are easy to keep going, plus using the latest medical tools at your disposal.
Losing weight is more like a marathon than a sprint. Having patience and reaffirming your reasons for setting these goals can help you go the distance.
Get support
Weight-loss support and motivation can come from friends on a similar journey, your healthcare provider, a support group or online fitness and nutrition trackers. A personal support group can encourage you on down days and celebrate your wins.
Be clear about your goals
Figure out what healthy goal you are trying to achieve. Talk to your doctor, or use a tool like the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale to help determine a healthy weight range for you. List your reasons for achieving this goal and post somewhere you can see every day as a reminder.
Start small — but keep going
Habits are easier to establish if you start small but remain consistent. So even if you take a short walk, try to do it at the same time every day. Don’t use weather as an excuse — walk around your house or up and down your stairs if you can’t get outside. Walk a little more each week, then add other exercises like hand weights, cycling or yoga — whatever you enjoy.
The CDC offers tips about healthy eating and starting a fitness program. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program, especially if you have been inactive.
Think portion sizes
When you’re trying to lose weight, the hardest part is controlling your food intake. You probably already know you should eat more fruits and vegetables, along with lean proteins and whole grains, but portions also matter. Try serving meals on smaller plates to be more aware of how much you’re eating.
Consider weight-loss surgery
If you have a BMI of 30 of higher, the Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Banding System can be a powerful tool to help you take control over your weight. The system features an adjustable gastric band placed around your upper stomach to help limit your food intake and promote your feeling of fullness. It can be tightened or loosened as your body or physical needs change over time, helping to provide sustainable weight loss over the long term. With regular adjustments that help you continue losing weight, Lap-Band is a long-term tool that gives you more power over your hunger and more control over your weight loss than ever before.
The Lap-Band gives you control over your body too, because it is the least invasive and safest weight-loss surgery available. Unlike other more drastic weight loss surgeries, with the Lap-Band procedure you can continue to eat the healthy foods you love while maintaining portion control. The procedure also has the lowest risk for vitamin or mineral deficiencies. It is typically performed in under an hour, and you can usually return home the same day. If for any reason your Lap-Band needs to be removed, it is easily reversible.
Lap-Band is the only FDA-approved, laparoscopic weight-loss device for people with a BMI of 30 or higher that’s commercially available in the U.S. The procedure has been performed over 1,000,000 times since 1993 worldwide. It’s covered by most insurance companies, and is being backed by over 25 years of clinical evidence.
The Lap-Band program also includes customized counseling, coaching and nutritional education to help support the lifestyle changes you need to keep your weight off over time. Visit www.lapband.com to learn more.
Resolving to get control of your weight now is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Let 2021 be the year you take important steps toward boosting your health and well-being.
