5 Long-Term Weight Loss Tips

If you're not having long-term success with weight loss transformation, there are reasons. You need to identify the reasons or you will continue to go in circles. Some of you are so frustrated that you have stopped trying to transform your body to lean and toned.


If you are in this situation, get help from a personal trainer. Part of the first fitness consultation with a personal trainer will include you identifying why your fitness goals have failed in the past.

Another part of the consultation is for you to visualize and set realistic fitness goals you are willing to work towards.

In my experience with clients, these are my Top 5 Weight Loss Transformation Stoppers:

1. Fear of failure.

Many of you have tried over and over to lose fat and weight. When fear or deep frustration creeps in, it can paralyze you into doing little or nothing to reach your goals. Its hard to keep trying. Its easier to quit.

According to the Mayo Clinic, you should focus on the process rather than the outcome.

The Mayo Clinic goes on to say, "Exercise regularly is an example of a process goal, while "weigh 145 pounds" is an example of an outcome goal. It's changing your processes — your daily behaviors and habits — that's key to weight loss, not necessarily focusing on a specific number on the scale. Just make sure that your process goals are specific, measurable and realistic, too."

In my practice, that means clients commit to regular strength training, interval cardio training and changing eating habits.

2. Low self esteem.

This affects every area of life and not just setting and reaching fitness goals.

According to Cognitive Therapy Associates, "Self-esteem, self-confidence, self-image...these are the trio that intertwine and perhaps have the most significant impact on a person's well-being and enjoyment of life."

"Therefore, we find that self-esteem is often at the core of a variety of psychological difficulties. Low self-esteem shows up in depression, anxiety (especially social anxiety), eating disorders, addictions, relationship problems, communication problems, and more. One may have rather high self-esteem under certain conditions, but in others, it may waver."

Negative self-talk also becomes a problem......

Dr. Kevin Elko, an expert in Cognitive Behavioral Psychology (CBP), states it this way:

“Those are real fancy words (CBP) that mean I learned how to help change the way people conduct conversations with themselves. Changing the way you talk to yourself can totally revolutionize your life, but learning to do it
can take some time and guidance.”


Yes, you may need expert guidance but first try talking positively to yourself. Here are some negative self-talk examples that I have heard from clients:

“I can’t stop eating sugary foods and drinks.”

“I wish I could fit into that dress.”

“I hate lifting weights so I only do cardio exercise.”

“I can’t run fast so doing sprint intervals won’t work for me.”

“I would go to the gym but I don’t want people staring at me.”

“I don’t have time to workout.”

Those negative phrases could easily be replaced by “I can” or “I will” or “what’s the alternatives.” We will end up believing what we continually tell ourselves. And, it shows in our attitude and behavior.

Always do something:




3. Achieving fitness goals takes smart work.

And, you also need more than willpower.  You need good reasons to as to "why am I doing this?"  Some could include (and change over time):

  • you got a bad health checkup from your doctor
  • you’re trying to fit into your “skinny clothes”
  • you don’t like the way you look naked in the mirror
  • getting in shape for a fitness competition
  • trying to be a role model for your kids
  • trying to reach your high school weight
Whatever gets you going will work. The main thing is to stay consistent over time with your workouts and eating plan.

4. Low or no confidence in the weight loss methods.

Many of you have used weight loss and fat loss methods that don't work such as fad diets, weight loss pills, patches, powders, etc. So, you are skeptical as to whether a personal trainer's methods will work.   Check out my methods that have gotten huge results for my clients and readers.

5. Perseverance.

Again, willpower is not enough (what is your good reason for doing this?).  But, commitment to a fit lifestyle is required. There will be setbacks and failures along the way. If you commit to the fit lifestyle first, you will reach your goals with the right guidance.

Every day, try to take steps forward to reach your goals. Even if you take a step back today, don't let it stop you from taking steps forward tomorrow.

You have to be honest with yourself to set and reach fitness goals. Sometimes the truth hurts. That's okay. Just make the commitment and get the guidance and support you need to reach your goals.

Get on the right track today...For FREE!

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About Mark

Hi, I'm Mark Dilworth, Nutritionist, Dietary Strategies Specialist, Nutrition for Metabolic Health Specialist and Lifestyle Weight Management Specialist. Since 2006, I have helped thousands of clients and readers make lifestyle habit changes which includes body transformation and ideal body weight.