The Good News

Does it get any easier to keep weight off? Recent data indicates that it just might. In a recent study, researchers reported that keeping weight off for longer durations is associated with less effort to diet and maintain weight. Plus, less attention is required to maintain the weight once it's lost.

It should be noted that the effort and attention required for exercise is unaffected by the length of time a person has maintained weight loss. Then, what exactly does get easier? One theory is that the strategies for maintaining weight loss become more habitual over time. Perhaps these habits help make the daily decision to exercise much easier; thus, maintenance of the weight loss becomes easier.

Want to be a success? Here are a few helpful exercise habits taken from successful maintainers:

• Exercise at the same time each day: Make it as much a part of your day as showering and brushing your teeth.
• Take the stairs: Staying active can help you feel like you're still "on track". When the opportunity arises you will be more likely to fit in exercise.
• Combine activities: Walking on the treadmill while you watch the morning news or stretching while you stand in line can help make exercise fit more seamlessly into your day.
• Walk the dog: Use something that has to be done anyway to help you fit movement into your day.
• Plan ahead: Pay attention to the weather reports and lay out appropriate clothes for the next day. Keep all of your exercise clothes in one place. Making them accessible makes it easier to take out today's dirty clothes and put in tomorrow's outfit before you even put your bag down.
• Meet somebody: A friend, a trainer, or a club can be the impetus to keep a date you may have otherwise skipped.