5 ways to motivate yourself out of obesity

This article has been medically approved by Pharmacist Sumaiya Patel - GPhC Reg No: 2215078

It might be in the back of your mind - you want to lose weight. It might even be at the forefront of your mind. But that doesn�t mean you�ve found the motivation to do anything about it yet. It�s easy enough to say you�re going to lose weight but finding the motivation to go through with it and sustain it is the tough part. If you need some motivation to start eating better or exercising more, here are a few simple ways to get you going.

Get support by downloading the free NHS Weight Loss Plan

If you struggle with finding a plan for weight loss, you can download the free NHS Weight Loss Plan to help you start healthier eating habits, be more active, and start losing weight. The plan is broken down into 12 weeks so you can:

set weight loss goals
use the BMI calculator to customise your plan
plan your meals
make healthier food choices
get more active and burn more calories
record your activity and progress

Don't worry, the app makes it easy for you � just take it one week at a time. Let's make "one day" today.

Realise the benefits

It�s very difficult to focus on a goal if you don�t fully recognise the benefits of achieving that goal. If you�ve decided you want to lose weight, do you know why?

Spend some time thinking about the reasons why you want to lose weight and write them down. Perhaps you want to improve your health? Losing weight could also mean trying a new activity this summer � something you feel you couldn�t do before. That could be playing sports with your kids in the park, walking to your local shop for a pint of milk rather than driving there or even getting off the bus a stop earlier every day.

Writing down your motivations for weight loss has two benefits. Firstly, it helps you get a clear idea of why you want to lose weight. This can inspire you to start your new healthy way of living. Secondly, it lets you revisit your motivation when things are tough, giving you the courage to stay on the right track.

Forgive yourself

Weight loss is a journey so it�s unlikely to be perfect without a bump or two in the road. Sometimes you�ll feel like you�re going backwards instead of forwards but we all feel like that from time to time.

If you decide to track weight loss with a weekly weigh-in and you don�t lose as much as you�d hoped for, don�t beat yourself up about it. Think about the steps you can take differently next week. Take every setback as a challenge instead of a failure. Likewise, if have the odd sticky toffee pudding that doesn�t mean the whole week is a write-off. Forgive yourself � and move on. None of us are robots!

Enjoy your rewards

Just as you should forgive yourself for any setbacks, you should also reward yourself for your successes. When you reach your targets, reward yourself. This could be a little treat that you have been restricting from your diet. Or it could be a pampering reward, like buying a new item of clothing or getting your nails done.

Discover your motivation

It can be easy to focus on all the things that you will lose when you�re trying to lose weight. That could be fast food, or not moving from the telly on a weekend. To spark that motivation, try instead to think about the things you will gain from losing weight and consider small step.

The things to gain could be the freedom to shop for clothes you love, or it could be the energy you will gain from eating well and exercising.

It could be even bigger than that. Perhaps you want to try something you�ve never done before. Losing weight could mean learning to surf, trying rock climbing, or even, bigger things, like running a marathon.

To stay motivated you have to imagine it, work for it, and those dreams are yours to gain. weight loss motivation

Get additional weight loss support

Get help and support to lose weight. Have a look at these weight management and healthy lifestyle services provided by the NHS and local councils across the UK. Click here to find out more.

Additionally, If you are living with obesity, you may be eligible to join a free, 12-week online programme to help manage your weight and improve your health.