Starting on the Road Toward Sustained Weight Loss

With experience as a psychologist and counselor, Joshua Dietz works with New York clients in recognizing and dealing with life obstacles, from mood problems to attention deficit disorder. Blogging on issues related to personal behavior and life fulfillment, Joshua Dietz wrote an in-depth piece on attaining permanent weight loss.

With more than one-third of Americans considered obese, an increasing number of people face related health issues such as sleep apnea, heart disease, type II diabetes, and high blood pressure. Studies suggest that 20 percent of mortalities nationwide are linked with obesity, despite the fact that it is a preventable condition.

Unfortunately, eating habits are deeply ingrained and inherently difficult to change. A significant majority of people who do successfully diet and lose weight wind up ultimately gaining back those pounds again. As Mr. Dietz describes it, in breaking self-destructive cycles, the essential is a willingness and determination to forge an entirely new self-identity.

The old person who lived a sedentary, take-out, binge-eating, high-sugar lifestyle needs to be replaced by a new person who stands fast behind proper dietary choices. This involves both monitoring diet and increasing daily exercise and looking steadily toward long term, rather than short come outcomes. For many, the best way to accomplish this is through the buddy system, working in tandem with an equally dedicated partner, whether it is a friend, spouse, or professional counselor.