The one step you need to kickstart your weight management journey

Consult a doctor for health advice

A medical professional can help you craft a weight management plan to suit your lifestyle and ensure you stick to your goals. It’s simple! Head to your local GP for the best advice about weight management. Visit Doctor On Your Side to find out more and kickstart your journey.

Dr Georgia Rigas explains why consulting with a doctor is in your best interest.

“Your GP can help you develop ‘SMART’ goals [Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Timely] however remember you are always in the driver’s seat,” she says.

“Think of your GP as the satnav who can guide you safely, but also help you trouble shoot when needed.”

Your doctor will explain the health improvements you could expect from weight loss, and discuss different approved therapies that are available to you.

Rigas also recommends setting a “review date and they [your doctor] should set up a recall system on their computer, as a friendly reminder to everyone.”

If you don’t have a regular doctor then try using the doctor locator tool to find a GP near you with a special interest in weight management.

Be food smart

Rather than depriving yourself of food groups, be smart about what you’re eating. Substitute your food for healthier alternatives where possible, such as eating a frozen banana instead of ice-cream or soda water with a slice of lemon over a can of soft drink - this helps you have an improved diet overall. Also try to incorporate foods that are high in protein and fibre into your meals – they are more likely to keep you feeling full for longer and will help prevent you from unnecessary snacking.

Choose an exercise you enjoy

You won’t dread working out if it doesn’t feel like a chore. Try and get friends involved to help to keep you motivated. A sport such as tennis is a great way to get your heart rate up, plus it will give you the chance to catch up with your social circle. Try and increase the amount of ‘incidental exercise’ you do on a daily basis. Get off your bus a stop earlier to burn a few extra calories, for example. 

Be kind to yourself

If the number on the scale isn’t what you were hoping for, don’t be too hard on yourself. Rather than fixate on a number, focus on how much better you feel for introducing these new changes to your lifestyle, think better sleeping patterns or improved stamina – tell-tale signs your health is improving, and consequently, your weight loss goals!