Fight Fat for Life

May 24, 2010
Written by: Julie Bosche, Filed in: Employee Health Programs

Are your employees losing the battle of the bulge?

Many people struggle in the beginning of their weight loss endeavors to find just the right combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes that will produce results. Everyone needs a program tailored to their specific needs, and it can take time to piece one together.

In the meantime, though, it’s easy to become discouraged.

If a co-worker participating in the same workplace weight-loss program seems to be dropping pounds effortlessly, that can shake the struggling individual’s confidence and make him less likely to keep up his own attempts.

Research shows that the type of diet you follow is less important than choosing one you can stick to. Most diets will help you lose weight at first, but if it’s long-term health benefits you’re aiming for, you’ll find greater success with a diet that you’re comfortable living with for a while.

Encourage employees who are trying to lose weight to focus on the rewards that come with success. Shedding excess pounds improves quality of life, reduces health risks from obesity-related problems such as type-2 diabetes and coronary-artery disease, lowers blood pressure, and decreases your risk of stroke.

If that’s not compelling enough, there’s always the incentive of dropping a dress size or deflating that spare tire.

More tips for weight-loss program success:

Set realistic goals, and don’t push yourself to achieve more than what’s healthy for your unique body.

Get a support system in place. Friends, family, and co-workers can offer invaluable moral support and accountability as you work toward your goals.

Keep track of what you’re eating when, as well as your daily exercise achievements, to help you determine what’s working and what might need to be adjusted.

Reduce food temptation by keeping high-calorie foods out of the house. Bring a supply of healthful snacks to the office to keep your energy up and help you resist the call of the vending machine.