You're not alone. Many people struggle with weight regain, and there is help available. The reason so many of us struggle to keep the weight off is that maintaining (like losing) takes effort. A few months, or years past the end of your weight loss program, you may have discovered that there are fewer rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle than there were when you were actively losing weight. Couple that with the stressors of everyday life, and it's easy to see how the number on the scales can creep up.

The good news is, you can get back on track and start losing weight again. LifeShape Clinic Manager and Dietitian Nicola Moore shares her top tips for getting back on track with weight loss.

Accept Your Weight Gain and Move Forward

If you're struggling with negative feelings about your weight, the first step is to accept your weight regain and focus on getting yourself into a healthier physical and mental state.

"Turn off the shame," says Nicola. "Shame doesn't work as an incentive to lose weight. The more you focus on shaming yourself about your weight regain, the more you'll feel hopeless and stuck in a pattern you can't seem to change. When you have positive feelings about yourself, losing weight becomes easier and more attainable."

This is a difficult but important first step. We're here to help encourage you to shed the shame before you focus on shedding the weight.

Count All Progress as Positive

If you're ready to commit to getting back on track, now is the perfect time to draw on the healthy principles you learned throughout your LifeShape program.

"There are lots of ways you can make gradual changes to your lifestyle," says Nicola. "Start by sticking to a routine, eating regularly, and keeping a food diary. Incorporate physical activity back into your day, as well as some self-care. Lastly, spend some time identifying the high-stress situations that could be behind your weight gain."

Reach Out for Help

While you were losing weight, it’s likely you received a lot of encouragement and support from family, friends, and our Clinic staff. By contrast, you may find that maintaining weight tends to be a more isolated process.

“If you’re feeling alone, you don’t have to,” says Nicola. “We understand that weight regain can be a difficult and frustrating experience, and we’re here to help you through it. We can develop a plan with support and motivation to get you back on track.”

Struggling to Pick Up the Phone?

If you're struggling to pick up the phone and reach out for help, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Talking to someone about your weight gain doesn't mean you're weak or a failure. It means you're taking back control of your health and making a positive change
• Your healthcare provider or an Accredited Practising Dietitian can help you develop a plan to get back on track

“Please don't be afraid to reach out for help,” says Nicola. “It's the best way to get back on track. If weight loss was an easy process, I wouldn’t have a job. We live in an obesogenic environment that makes weight management hard. We’re not disappointed in you. We’re more disappointed if you don’t reach out!

Think of it this way, if your car needed a tune up, would you try to fix it yourself or would you take it to a professional? Weight loss is no different. It's a complex issue, and it's important to get help from people who know how to support you. The first phone call is the start of you reconnecting with your support team."

Rather Book Online?

We'd love to reconnect with you! We invite all past clients to get in touch for a complimentary consultation with a Dietitian – if picking up the phone is hard, you can even book a telehealth catch up online! Click below to get started.