Losing weight is one of the most common goals that personal trainers hear from their clients.  Many people, however, approach weight loss with a misperception of what goes into sustaining it for the long term. Here are things that trainers wish their clients knew about achieving their weight loss goals.

• Starvation is not the answer:  By the time a person decides to commit to weight loss, they are typically fed up and wanting to
  shed the excess weight as quickly as possible. This can lead to the perception that food is the enemy, which is absolutely not the case!  Not eating enough food can actually slow the metabolism, making it harder to lose and maintain a healthy weight for the long term.  Eating nutritious, moderately portioned meals and snacks throughout the day is the best way to keep the metabolism burning fat and calories.

• Working out is not the most important part of the equation:  Without making the proper changes to diet, working out will not result in sustainable weight loss.  Losing weight is dependent approximately 75% upon food intake and 25% upon exercise. Hundreds of weight loss studies have concluded that people achieve the best results through altering their diets.  This is not to suggest that exercise isn’t an important component, however it is much easier to reduce calories than to have to spend hours in the gym burning them. 

• Trainers aren’t necessarily experts in nutrition:  There are some trainers who go the extra mile to become educated in nutrition, but a registered dietitian studies an average of four years to get a degree. Don’t count on your trainer to be the expert in nutrition and weight loss.  Seek out properly qualified professionals to help you establish and monitor healthy eating habits.

• Lifting weights will do more for you than cardio:  Many people equate cardio with weight loss, however the experts will tell you that building muscle is a more effective way to burn fat and calories.  As muscle mass increases, so too will the rate at which the body metabolizes calories even when at rest.  This is not to say that cardio shouldn’t be a part of working out and losing weight, but is shouldn’t be the main ingredient if weight loss is the primary goal.

• Slow and steady equals lasting success:  Wanting to see instant results is human nature, however weight loss of one to two pounds a week is the recipe for maintaining weight over time. While losing weight overnight may at first seem appealing, it ultimately ends in frustration as it slows the metabolism, making it nearly impossible to maintain a healthy weight.

Weight loss and long term maintenance are dependent upon the right combination of activity and dietary changes.  It takes commitment to both to see lasting results,  but exercise alone will likely not be enough. The compassionate and knowledgeable professionals of Medifast Weight Control Centers are well versed in what it takes to achieve long term weight loss success. 

Please call today for your complimentary consultation to see how Medifast can support, guide and help you in your weight loss journey.