As autumn arrives or the year changes, newspaper headlines and social media begin to bulge with increasingly sensational weight loss stories and diet tips. Usually, I skip over these articles with big leaps, but recently I strayed to click on a headline about a Finnish woman who had lost 160 kg! The article had gathered numerous congratulations and comments, especially admiring the woman’s self-discipline. One commenter speculated that they could never achieve the same feat. The article itself did not (of course) reveal how the weight loss had occurred and how long it had taken, as it focused on discussing excess abdominal skin and its removal. Lo and behold, the clickbait headline and content were not at all in line… After a lengthy series of clicks, I finally reached an article that mentioned the woman’s first obesity surgery in 2012. So, this wasn’t some sudden, dramatic transformation, but a lengthy process spanning 10 years.
Self-discipline and starving
The comments below the article, in my opinion, well summarized how weight loss is often perceived: as starving that requires tremendous self-discipline. It’s often thought that to lose weight, one must change their entire diet at once and simultaneously sweat profusely on jogging trails or at the gym. There are plenty of diets and programs based on this approach. And I don’t really wonder why, because people often have a need to get everything here, now, and immediately. A sales pitch promising rapid weight loss is certainly an attractive offer, “start now and you’ll be beach-ready by summer”. Products or services sold with these slogans often involve weight loss through a highly restrictive diet and intense training.
At this point, I’m showing a big red STOP sign and flashing emergency vehicle lights!
Let’s think about what happens after the “cure” is completed? Or when the new diet starts to taste like cardboard and the warm embrace of the couch calls instead of the jogging trail. We return to the old ways, don’t we? Relapses start to occur, and when there are enough of them, it’s easy to conclude “this isn’t working” and return to previous habits, blaming oneself. At the same time, weight starts to approach pre-diet levels and likely climbs even higher than the starting point. So what’s the solution?
Permanent changes, one step at a time
Patience is a virtue, and that holds true here as well. The fact is that permanent results are only achieved through permanent changes. No one can eat cabbage soup forever while starving, and even after a VLCD period, one must learn how to maintain the achieved scale reading. Successful weight loss and weight management are a long-term process where changes are made step by step while identifying and addressing the root causes behind weight gain. When changes are made calmly, one or two at a time, it’s easier to adapt to new habits. And when the new eating and exercise habits become routine, you can tackle the next change target. And you don’t have to suffer with hunger pangs, as there’s plenty of delicious food suitable for dieters!
We, the experts at Painoklinikka, are happy to help you on your journey towards a lighter feeling and better well-being – without hocus-pocus tricks and torturous regimens. You are warmly welcome to the appointments with Painoklinikka’s healthcare professionals and weight management groups!
Henna Lehikoinen
MSc, Registered Dietitian
