5 tips to kick start your weight loss journey

Diet, exercise, pills, surgery. If you’re struggling with your weight, you might be overwhelmed with all the options.

So before we start, Joseph Saint-Pierre, DO, bariatric surgeon in Westport, has five tips to keep you on track.

1. Understand your goals

The first step to sustainable weight loss is understanding your goals and motivations.

“There are some questions you need to ask yourself before you start trying to lose weight,” warns Dr. St. Pierre. “Why do you feel the need to lose weight? Have the circumstances that put you in this position changed? »

You may not be able to answer these questions right away, but keep them in mind to guide you on your weight loss journey.

2. It starts with good nutrition

Struggling to cut carbs or pack protein? Diets aren’t “one size fits all,” so pick one that’s right for you. Or better yet, choose none at all. Instead, work with an expert to modify your current diet and create healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.

“The reality is that it’s very difficult to hand someone a diet guide and send them on their way. It’s much more appropriate to get an idea of ​​their current diet and make changes subtle over time.

Focus on one or two things at a time and, above all, never follow a diet that starves you.

> Related: And The Healthiest Diet Of 2023 Is….

3. And then comes exercise

If you’ve ever hopped on the treadmill to shed a few pounds, you know how unrealistic it can be.

“You have to burn 3,500 calories to burn one pound,” warns Dr. St-Pierre. “But exercise is the main driver for keeping off the weight that’s already been lost. Want to keep that weight from coming back? Exercise is how you do it.

Even if you haven’t lost any weight yet, don’t be discouraged. Exercise has tons of other benefits like cardiovascular health, bone and muscle support, and healthy aging effects like preventing dementia.

4. Is bariatric surgery right for me?

Have you ever given up on bariatric surgery as a last resort? This section is for you.

“Bariatric surgery is considered the gold standard for weight loss. I wouldn’t consider it a last resort, but a great and primary way to lose weight,” says Dr. St. Pierre. , the greatest weight loss is seen in patients who choose to do both medical and surgical weight loss.”

And if that’s not enough, bariatric surgery can actually reduce type 2 diabetes and help with a host of other dangerous conditions.

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5. Consistency is Key

No matter where you start, Dr. St. Pierre tells all of his patients to keep one thing in mind: consistency matters.

“It doesn’t matter the style of weight loss; every change in diet or lifestyle requires consistency. There are so many ways to lose weight, it’s just a matter of trying to find the lifestyle that’s right for you.

Still don’t know where to start? Start your weight loss journey here.