Over half of American adults are overweight or obese. The cost of obesity is substantial to our health care system, to communities and to individuals. Healthy Weight Week is January 20-26. This is the perfect time to help your clients focus on ways to maintain a healthy weight or make goals for gradual weight loss.
 
Making even small changes with regards to food choices and physical activity can yield big results over time. Studies show that losing weight gradually leads to more permanent results. Help your clients aim for about a pound a week weight loss. This goal is not only realistic and achievable, but is also less overwhelming to your clients. When clients are able to achieve these small goals, it leads to increased motivation and self-efficacy. Here are some tips to aid your clients in their weight loss goals:

• Reduce portion sizes
• Prepare more meals at home
• Be physically active daily
• Eat favorite foods that are high in calories less often and in smaller amounts

Try our Personal Nutrition Planner which is a quick nutritional assessment that provides food and calorie recommendations based on age, gender and activity level. Your clients will learn their current Body Mass Index (BMI) and total calorie expenditure as well as the number of servings needed from each food group. The Personal Nutrition Planner includes a goal planning section which helps them develop a food and activity plan based on personal health goals.
 
It is important to remember that modest weight loss of 7-10% in addition to regular physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Focusing on prevention by making lifestyle changes will not only help control health care costs in the long-run, but also help improve quality of life, which is the greatest benefit of all. 

Ashley Rosales, R.D.

Project Manager