Stop fooling yourself!

I’ve been practicing medicine for more then 40 years and have seen tens of thousands of overweight patients, but I’ve yet to see anyone who was truly happy with his condition, both physically and psychologically.

Now, there are weight loss and maintenance methods available that are almost fool-proof. With all our plans tailored to your tastes and habits, you can quickly lose weight without starving yourself. With our motivational programs, you can maintain your weight and keep a smile on your face.

So why then do some of our patients fail?

“I can’t lose weight.”

Many make themselves believe that they cannot lose weight. They have unsuccessfully tried countless diets. They have a family history of obesity. Their metabolism is too slow. These are the tales that we tell ourselves to justify not doing anything and not feel guilty about it.

The reality here is that anyone who is over-weight can lose those extra pounds. Some will lose weight quicker than others, but, in any event, by reducing the amount of calories you take in, you will lose weight no matter what. Serious studies have clearly shown this time and time again.

The problem is that many people under-estimate how many calories they actually consume and how many calories they truly expend. They are in denial just like an alcoholic who is convinced that he is just a social drinker.

So what’s the answer?
Stop looking for excuses. Take responsibility for yourself. Sure, if you want, you can continue the way you are and stay fat.

That’s your prerogative. Don’t feel guilty-just take responsibility for the consequences of your actions. That’s the price you have to pay.

“The high-protein diet doesn’t work for me.”

Some people have a need to believe that they have tried all diets out there, including high-protein diets, and that they were always hungry while on them. These are just more excuses to justify not losing weight.

The reality here is that any well-structured diet will lead to weight loss without hunger. It’s simply a matter of ensuring you have dietary protein or supplements every four hours and decreasing the amount of sugar eaten. The less you eat, the less hunger you actually feel.

The problem is following a diet incorrectly, with too much time between eating proteins and/or carbohydrates (sugars, starches, etc.)

The solution? Follow the specific recommendations for a given diet. Do not improvise. Ask a doctor to help you solve certain gastric problems (swollen stomach) that could be making you think you are hungry even though you’re correctly following the diet.

“I always put back on the weight I lose.”

Some patients tell me and their peers-in order to eliminate their feeling of guilt-that they always put back on the weight they lose, as if they had no control over the situation.

The reality here is that the diet is not responsible for ensuring that a person maintains weight. It is the person. There are two treatments for obesity: losing weight on a low-calorie diet (which most people do, and it works) and maintaining weight through behavioral changes (which only a few people do, but it works as well).

The problem isthat many believe that they don’t need help to maintain their weight. They lose the weight and that’s it.

The solution? Once a month, fill in the Mental Weight® questionnaire. Monitor your habits and behavior regarding food. When you feel that you are getting off track, act immediately, get out your motivational tools and visit the clinic once a month, I guarantee that you will maintain 82% of your weight loss.

Stop fooling yourself-you are your own worst enemy. Use the motivational tools at your disposal, answer the Mental Weight® questionnaire every month and visit the doctor following you while you lose weight. Remember: Together we’re a team.

So, yes, it is possible to lose and maintain your weight.

Maurice Larocque, M.D.