Everyone wants immediate results. This is not going to happen. Long term weight loss takes time and once you have achieved it the benefits will make all the effort seem worthwhile.

Before you embark upon your new healthy lifestyle think about these questions.

	Why do I want to lose weight?
	What are the benefits of losing weight?
	What are the challenges to losing weight?

Answer these questions and carry them with you. This will help you through the more difficult times.

Below are some ideas to help you out.

I want to lose weight to …

	be healthier
	be more energetic
	wear smaller clothes
	get dressed more easily
	feel comfortable in a bathing suit
	lift my child or grandchild
	walk up stairs without losing breath
	be able to comfortably wear a seat belt in the car
	be healthier
	fit into an airline or theatre seat

Your weight loss goals are personal to you. When you set your goals, choose targets for each week and month.

Remember you should lose weight gradually. Weight gain happens over a long period of time so you cannot expect to lose your excess weight overnight. Slow, steady weight loss helps your body adjust to the amount of food you are eating.

One to two kilograms (2.2 to 4.4 lbs) a month is a healthy amount of weight loss. A 10% weight loss is a good first goal. Take a minute to think about what this could mean to you. Whether or not you lose more, 5-10% weight loss is an important achievement!