Goal setting in Weight Loss

Weight loss also referred to as slimming. The simple and general principle of weight loss involves burning off calories by forming what is referred to as "caloric deficit" This deficit is best created by consuming foods with low calories such as foods with high water content ànd fibres. Regular exercises have also be know to increase the rate at which these calories are burn off the body. In most cases weight loss could be planned or voluntary and unplanned or Involuntary weight loss. Planned weight loss in most cases are achieved through dieting and exercising but in some cases too can also be achieved with the aid of pharmacological agents i.e drugs .
Unplanned or Involuntary weight loss are majorly caused by disease conditions such as cancer and can also be caused by emotional and pschylogicals disturbances and even some drugs as side effects.
In most case and from personal experiences it is very difficult to achieve planned weight losss through dieting and exercising without a proper planning, goal setting and commitment to the set goals. We often want to achieve more weight loss within the shortest possible time which in most case is unrealistic and unachievable. Even in dieting we end up eating what we planned not to eat because of last commitment and wanting to stop the food at once which is not possible too, it is a gradual process. It is like when you want to stop smoking or consumption of alcohol. You start by let reduce the quantity you take per day or weekly .
Therefore goal setting is very important in weight reduction. Goals set must be SMART i.e SPECIFIC , MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, REALISTIC AND TIMELY.
The weight target must be clear and well defined to enable you attain the desired goal. Vague and cumbersome goals are difficult to achieve and that is WHY we say the goals must be SPECIFIC or individualized and not a generalized.
Weight loss target must be measurable in terms of how many kilograms or pounds do you want loss in a daily or weekly basis. e.g You want to loss 1-2kg in a week. The goal or target could be short for better follow up on the success and successes should be celebrated if possible to serve as motivating factor to carry on with longer or long term goal.
Number of kilograms or pounds set must also be achievable within the set time and they should be realistic and also time-bound. Timeline should be set to enable you determine your success and failure to achieve the set out figure in terms of weight reduction.