How Setting Short-Term Weight Loss Goals Is More Beneficial

At least 60% of adults in the U.S. are now considered to be either overweight or obese. Carrying excess fat in your body is exceptionally harmful, and has been linked to diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and other serious complications. Losing weight is beneficial for people who are obese, reducing the risk of these diseases and complications associated with the condition. Unfortunately, there are many people who find it hard to lose weight effectively, and one particular issue that often presents itself is the fact that most individuals tend to set long-term goals for weight loss, instead of focusing on the shorter-term successes.

Short-Term Versus Long-Term Weight Loss Goals

Weight loss is something desired by many people, but one of the major issues with these strategies is the fact that a lot of individuals end up quitting. The main reason why people stop following a weight loss plan is due to insufficient results. Perhaps you have decided that you want to lose 20 pounds, but over the course of a month or two, you do not see the results you expected.

The issue here is that you aimed for a long-term goal – and that takes time. You need to be realistic when setting goals, especially when it comes to losing weight. Many people do not realize that it takes effort to go from an unhealthy life to a lifestyle that focuses on being healthy – and that often means losing weight for a person who is overweight or obese.

When you set goals, they will act as motivation. Reaching these goals helps to keep you motivated. You get a reason for celebration – a reason to feel good about yourself because you were able to set out to do something, and actually achieve it.

Many people are not sure if they should only set a single long-term goal while trying to lose weight, or rather aim for short-term goals. The most beneficial way to go about setting goals is to have both of these, however.

When you only set a single long-term goal, it will be hard for you to achieve it. In fact, it might take several months, or even years, for you to reach your goal or ideal weight. This means during the time, you will have not successes to celebrate – which are essential elements to help keep you on track.

Once you have established that long-term goal, you need to break it into multiple parts. If you are aiming to lose 25 pounds, decide on a realistic time frame. Perhaps you will give yourself about one year to achieve that ideal weight – this way, and you can lose weight in a healthy way.

The goal should then be broken down into smaller goals. Start by considering a specific amount of weight, and you should aim to lose each week or on a month-to-month basis. You can also set additional goals – such as to go for a run at least three times a week, and perhaps to avoid grabbing a donut for lunch.

These might seem like really small goals, but each time you achieve them, you will experience a sense of satisfaction. You will feel good about the fact that you were able to stick to your schedule, avoid your mid-day cravings, and they will help you keep following through with the program.

The Mental Benefits Of Reaching Your Short-Term Weight Loss Goals

The physical health benefits of weight loss have been well-established. The risk of diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and many other diseases tend to decrease. When excess weight in the body becomes reduced, there is a decline in blood pressure levels as well, and the balance of cholesterol will usually improve too.

It is, however, important to realize that losing excess weight in the body has benefits for your psychological health as well. This is one of the major reasons why these short-term goals we discussed are so important.

When you are able to observe the small goals that you achieve, you are able to reduce the risk of feeling unmotivated about your program. Depression is common among people who gain weight – and when you suffer from depression, and you are unable to reach a goal, then it makes you more likely to quit on your weight loss regime.

There are also many scientific studies that have proven weight loss comes with several benefits for your mental health. In one review study, researchers describe a significant improvement in self-esteem among people who lose weight. Additionally, there also seems to be an improvement in symptoms associated with depression. People generally also experience a more positive body image, and the general quality of life. Especially when mental health is taken into account and becomes improved.

Conclusion

When setting goals for weight loss, it is important to consider the shorter-term figures that you might be aiming for. While you might want to lose a total of 20 pounds in the long run, this is something that may take some time. By setting short-term goals, you give yourself the ability to maintain the motivation needed to continue with your weight loss program. These goals also help you feel better about yourself, ultimately providing a positive impact on your mental well-being.

References

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666313003991