Decide how weight loss will affect your future

You might feel unsure about whether you want to commit to starting on a weight loss journey. One way of helping you to decide is to imagine two futures for yourself:

• One future where you decide to make changes to your lifestyle to start losing weight now
• The other where you continue as you are resulting in potential weight gain

Take a few minutes to try the steps below to help you do this.

Think about the following questions

You might want to take a pen and paper and note down your answers.

Question 1

Imagine you've successfully reached your ideal goal weight. Think about yourself in 5 years' time. What might some of the changes be to:

• Your physical health and emotional wellbeing?
• Your lifestyle?

Some possible changes to your life from losing weight

Scientific research has shown that those who are a healthy weight are more likely to have:

• Better health. You could have more energy, improved mood, improved mobility, decreased joint pain and better sleep. You'll lower your risk of some cancers and other obesity related diseases and improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• A greater sense of self esteem and confidence in doing something positive for your health. It may inspire others too.

Learn more about the possible benefits you might notice from losing weight.

Question 2

Imagine now that you haven't made changes to your lifestyle. Your weight has remained the same or increased. Think about yourself in 5 years' time. What might some of the changes be to:

• Your physical health and emotional wellbeing?
• Your lifestyle?

Some possible changes to your life from continuing to remain overweight or obese

Scientific research shows those who remain overweight or obese are more likely to:

• Put health at risk. There's a greater risk for long-term diseases such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disease and certain cancers.
• You may have less energy and poorer mental health, including increased risks of anxiety and depression
• Have less opportunities to do the things you enjoy do you joint pain or restricted movement.
• Potentially set an unhealthy role model for your children, family or friends

Once you've completed this activity, you should see some of the important ways your life might improve with losing weight.

What's next

Get some tips on how to lose weight.