Structured Weight Loss: Nine Pounds in Three Weeks


Intro
Achieving weight loss can be a complicated endeavor, yet a systematic approach can simplify the journey. Losing nine pounds in three weeks is not only possible, but it can also be approached in a healthy and manageable manner. This article delineates a strategic plan focused on caloric deficit, making nutritional adjustments, establishing an exercise regimen, and implementing behavioral changes.
By understanding the science behind weight loss and incorporating practical elements into daily routines, individuals can make informed decisions to reach their body weight goals. This guide acknowledges the importance of personal preference and adaptability in achieving lasting results. In the following sections, important insights into wellness, nutrition, and exercise will be presented, offering a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the complexities of weight loss effectively.
Wellness Insights
Benefits of Regular Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for successful weight loss. Exercise not only helps burn calories but also contributes to overall health. Benefits include:
- Improved metabolism: Regular physical activity boosts metabolic rate, allowing for more calories to be burned throughout the day.
- Enhanced mood: Exercise releases endorphins, which can alleviate stress and anxiety, often linked to unhealthy eating habits.
- Increased energy levels: Consistent activity leads to better stamina and energy, making daily tasks easier.
It is important to find an enjoyable form of exercise, whether it be walking, swimming, cycling, or weight training. It is also essential to integrate variety to avoid boredom. For effective results, a combination of cardiovascular and strength training exercises is recommended.
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health plays a critical role in weight management. Emotional eating can often hinder progress and derail efforts. Recognizing triggers—such as stress or sadness—that lead to unhealthy eating habits is essential. Establishing mindfulness through practices like meditation can help manage these triggers effectively.
Research suggests that mindful eating can help individuals develop a healthier relationship with food by promoting awareness of hunger and satiety cues. By improving mental well-being, individuals are more likely to adhere to their weight-loss plans.
"Weight loss is not just a physical journey; it is deeply connected to mental wellness."
Nutrition Information
Balanced Diet Essentials
A well-rounded diet is the foundation of effective weight loss. This involves understanding macronutrients and their roles:
- Carbohydrates: They provide energy for workouts but should come from whole sources like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Proteins: Important for muscle repair and growth, aim for lean sources such as chicken breast, beans, or tofu.
- Fats: Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil support overall health.
Each meal should ideally contain a balance of these macronutrients, promoting satiety and preventing hunger pangs.
Meal Planning and Preparation
Effective meal planning can offer structure to a weight loss journey. Preparing meals in advance reduces the likelihood of impulsive, unhealthy eating. Key strategies include:
- Batch cooking: Preparing larger quantities of meals, which can be portioned out for the week.
- Snack options: Providing healthy snacks such as carrot sticks or nuts can prevent hunger between meals.
- Mindful shopping: Create a shopping list based on meal plans to avoid buying junk food.
Maintaining focus on nutritional content while meeting individual tastes and preferences will ensure long-term adherence to a healthier lifestyle.
By implementing these insights and strategies into daily life, individuals seeking to lose nine pounds in three weeks can harness a structured approach that promotes both physical and mental well-being.
Understanding Weight Loss Fundamentals
Weight loss is a subject of great interest for many individuals, especially in a world where maintaining a healthy body weight is often associated with overall well-being. Understanding the fundamentals of weight loss is essential for those who wish to achieve their weight loss goals in a sustainable manner. This section seeks to clarify the key elements and considerations of weight loss, establishing a strong foundation for the subsequent areas of focus in this article.
The concepts of caloric deficit and energy balance are central to comprehending how weight loss occurs. When the energy consumed through food is less than the energy expended through daily activities and metabolism, the body begins to utilize stored fat as an energy source. This is why understanding caloric deficit is paramount for anyone aiming to shed pounds.
Additionally, knowing the impact of different food choices, exercise types, and lifestyle habits impacts this process. The relationship between nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral changes can significantly influence weight loss outcomes.
"Understanding the science of weight loss not only helps in effective planning but also ensures sustainable outcomes."
By exploring these fundamentals thoroughly, individuals are better equipped to make informed decisions tailored to their unique body types and lifestyle preferences.
The Science Behind Weight Loss
The science underlying weight loss is grounded in biological and physiological mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms provides insight into how our bodies react to different dietary practices and exercise regimens.
At its core, weight loss hinges on the concept of energy balance. The fundamental equation involves calories in versus calories out. When you consume more calories than you burn, weight gain occurs; conversely, when you burn more than you consume, weight loss is the result.
Metabolism plays a crucial role in this equation. It refers to all the biochemical processes in the body that convert food into energy. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) accounts for the calories burned at rest just to maintain essential bodily functions.
There are additional factors that influence metabolism, such as age, gender, muscle mass, and genetics. Understanding these factors can guide individuals in tailoring their weight loss strategies based on their individual metabolic rates.
Caloric Deficit Explained
A caloric deficit is achieved when a person consumes fewer calories than they expend. Creating this deficit is vital for weight loss as it prompts the body to utilize stored fat for energy. It can be established through dietary changes, increased physical activity, or a combination of both.
To effectively create a caloric deficit, it is necessary to track caloric intake and expenditure. This may involve utilizing tools like food diaries or apps to monitor daily calories consumed alongside exercise routines.
Ultimately, the key to a successful caloric deficit lies in moderation and sustainability. An overly aggressive calorie reduction can lead to rapid weight loss, but it often results in muscle loss and nutritional deficiencies. Incremental, manageable changes are often more effective and safer in the long run.


In summary, understanding the fundamentals of weight loss, including the science behind it and the role of caloric deficit, lays the groundwork for developing effective weight loss strategies. It reinforces the importance of informed decision-making while paving the way for deeper insights into the subsequent sections of this article.
Setting Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals is a cornerstone of the weight loss process. Goals act as a roadmap, guiding individuals through their journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Effective goal setting can enhance motivation and commitment. This section will delve into how redefining expectations can lead to more sustainable weight loss.
Defining Your Weight Loss Objective
Your weight loss objective should reflect your personal aspirations and health considerations. It is vital to assess current weight, desired outcome, and timeframe. A common mistake is aiming for drastic results in a short period. Instead, focusing on losing approximately one to two pounds per week tends to be healthier. This balance encourages long-term success while minimizing the risk of regaining lost weight. A clear, measurable objective allows for progress tracking, which can be highly motivating.
To set a realistic objective, consider the following:
- Evaluate Your Current Health: Understand your body type and health conditions. Consulting a healthcare provider is often beneficial.
- Set Specific Targets: Rather than stating a desire to "lose weight," specify how many pounds you want to lose each week.
- Timeframes: Goals should include a reasonable timeframe, factoring in any lifestyle constraints.
The Importance of Milestones
Milestones serve as checkpoints that contribute to sustaining motivation throughout your weight loss journey. They provide opportunities to celebrate progress, which can reinforce positive behaviors. Recognizing these small victories ensures that the process remains rewarding.
Establish milestones based on your long-term goal. For example, if losing nine pounds in three weeks is your aim, consider splitting this into weekly targets of three pounds. This approach appears more attainable when viewed as smaller, manageable steps. By reaching milestones, individuals often experience a boost in confidence and determination to continue.
Incorporating the following into your weight loss plan can be beneficial:
- Track Progress Regularly: Use a journal or apps to record progress. Visual representations can enhance motivation.
- Adjust Goals as Needed: If hitting a milestone feels burdensome, reassess your goal. Flexibility is key.
- Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledging when you reach a milestone encourages continued efforts.
"Setting realistic goals enables sustained effort and minimizes feelings of discouragement."
Setting realistic goals, refining weight loss objectives, and recognizing milestones provide the framework necessary for effective and sustainable weight loss. These strategies work in tandem to cultivate a mindset conducive to embracing a healthier lifestyle.
Nutritional Modifications
Nutritional modifications are pivotal in any weight loss plan. Adjusting what you eat not only helps in achieving a caloric deficit but also ensures that your body receives essential nutrients. For those aiming to lose nine pounds in three weeks, it is crucial to approach these modifications thoughtfully. The benefits of a structured diet extend beyond weight loss; they promote overall health, stability in energy levels, and positive mental wellbeing.
Creating a Caloric Deficit through Diet
A caloric deficit occurs when you consume fewer calories than your body needs for maintenance. This principle underlies all weight loss endeavors. To create this deficit effectively, one must first calculate their daily caloric needs, taking into consideration factors such as age, gender, activity level, and metabolic rate. Once this base is established, individuals can then aim to reduce their calorie intake by approximately 500 to 1,000 calories per day. This approach typically leads to a weight loss of about one to two pounds weekly, aligning perfectly with the target of nine pounds in three weeks.
Nutrient-Dense Foods to Include
Incorporating nutrient-dense foods is essential. These foods provide a high amount of vitamins and minerals with relatively low calories. Some excellent choices include:
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Colorful vegetables such as bell peppers and carrots
- Lean proteins, including chicken breast or fish
- Whole grains like quinoa or brown rice
- Healthy fats found in avocados and nuts
These foods not only aid in creating a caloric deficit but also supply the body with necessary nutrition, helping to prevent energy crashes and feelings of deprivation that can arise during a weight loss journey.
Foods to Avoid
To enhance weight loss effects, certain foods should be minimized or avoided altogether. These include:
- Highly processed foods
- Sugary snacks and beverages
- White bread and other refined grains
- High-fat and fried foods
These items typically provide empty calories, leading to poor nutrition and increased hunger. Removing them from your diet can help streamline your weight loss efforts and promote healthier eating habits.
Hydration and its Role in Weight Loss
Hydration plays a significant role in weight management. Often, feelings of hunger are mistaken for thirst. Drinking adequate water is essential to avoid unnecessary snacking. Moreover, staying hydrated aids metabolism and can enhance physical performance during exercise.
Aiming for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily is a good starting point. Additionally, incorporating water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon can also help maintain hydration levels.
Summary: Making practical nutritional modifications lays the groundwork for effective and sustainable weight loss. Focusing on caloric deficit while incorporating nutrient-dense foods and staying hydrated are all strategies that contribute to accomplishing your goals.
Effective Exercise Regimens
Exercise plays a vital role in any weight loss journey, including the goal of losing nine pounds in three weeks. Integrating a variety of exercise regimens can enhance caloric expenditure, improve metabolic health, and support muscle preservation. Each component of exercise contributes uniquely to the weight loss process, and understanding these contributions can help individuals manage their programs effectively.
Cardiovascular Exercises
Cardiovascular exercises, often referred to as cardio, are essential for burning calories and improving overall heart health. Engaging in activities such as running, cycling, swimming, or brisk walking increases the heart rate and promotes the burning of fat. The intensity and duration of cardio workouts can be adjusted to fit individual fitness levels, contributing to a caloric deficit that is necessary for weight loss.
Benefits of including cardiovascular exercises in a routine include:
- Increased Caloric Burn: High-intensity cardio can significantly raise heart rate and promote an effective calorie burn, making it a core part of any weight loss plan.
- Improved Endurance: Regular cardiovascular workouts can enhance stamina and energy levels, enabling longer and more effective workout sessions.
- Mental Health Benefits: Cardio can improve mood and reduce stress, factors which are often linked to overeating and weight gain.
To effectively incorporate cardiovascular activities into your routine, consider the following:


- Choose Enjoyable Activities: This will increase adherence and make the process more sustainable.
- Aim for Variety: Mixing different forms of cardio can prevent boredom and challenge the body in new ways.
- Monitor Intensity: Use tools like heart rate monitors to ensure you are exercising at the right intensity to achieve optimal results.
Strength Training Importance
Strength training, often overlooked in weight loss plans, is crucial for muscle preservation and metabolic enhancement. By focusing on strength training, individuals can build lean muscle mass, which is critical for maintaining a higher resting metabolic rate. This means that even at rest, the body burns more calories when more muscle is present.
Key points regarding strength training include:
- Muscle Preservation: When losing weight, there is a risk of losing muscle along with fat. Strength training helps counteract this tendency.
- Metabolic Boost: As lean muscle increases, your overall metabolism improves, allowing more calories to be burned throughout the day.
- Improved Body Composition: Strength training contributes to a healthier body composition, leading to a toned appearance and enhanced strength.
Consider these strategies when implementing strength training into your weight loss regimen:
- Focus on Compound Movements: Exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses engage multiple muscle groups and maximize efficiency.
- Create a Balanced Program: Ensure your routine includes exercises for all major muscle groups to support symmetry and functional strength.
- Incorporate Progressive Overload: Gradually increase weight or resistance to continually challenge your muscles and encourage growth.
"Combining both cardiovascular and strength training is critical in achieving balanced and effective weight loss."
Incorporating Behavioral Changes
In the pursuit of weight loss, incorporating behavioral changes is pivotal. This aspect is often overlooked when individuals focus solely on diet and exercise. Behavioral changes refer to the adjustments in habits, attitudes, and thought processes that influence one’s relationship with food and physical activity. Understanding and improving these behaviors can lead to more sustainable weight loss results.
Key Elements of Incorporating Behavioral Changes:
- Awareness: Becoming aware of eating habits is the first step. This includes recognizing emotional eating or eating out of boredom.
- Setting Intentions: Establish clear reasons for wanting to lose weight. This could involve health benefits, improved fitness, or personal goals.
- Building Mindfulness: Engage in mindful practices that promote a healthy relationship with food.
Behavioral changes can significantly enhance the effectiveness of a weight loss plan. By embedding these changes into daily routines, individuals can make better choices consistently. This not only aids in regaining control over eating but also encourages healthier lifestyles.
Mindful Eating Practices
Mindful eating is a method that encourages individuals to develop a more attentive approach to food consumption. This practice emphasizes being present during meals, allowing one to savor each bite and recognize hunger and satiety signals. By practicing mindful eating, individuals can sharpen their awareness of food choices, leading to healthier selections and portion control.
Benefits of Mindful Eating:
- Improved Digestion: Eating slowly and mindfully can aid digestion by allowing the body to properly process food.
- Reduced Overeating: Paying attention during meals can prevent mindless eating, which often leads to consuming excess calories.
- Enhanced Enjoyment of Food: By focusing on flavors and textures, meals become more satisfying, potentially reducing cravings.
Considerations for Practicing Mindful Eating:
- Limit Distractions: Eat without screens or distractions like television.
- Engage Senses: Take time to enjoy the colors, scents, and textures of food.
- Pause Between Bites: Put utensils down between bites to increase awareness and promote slower eating.
Building a Routine
Creating a routine is essential for facilitating behavioral change. Establishing a daily or weekly plan for meal preparation, exercise, and mindful practices can significantly increase success rates. A well-structured routine helps integrate these healthy behaviors into daily life, making them feel more automatic and less strenuous.
Components of an Effective Routine:
- Meal Prep: Designate specific times each week for preparing healthy meals. This reduces the likelihood of impulsive eating choices.
- Schedule Workouts: Set aside regular times for physical activity. Consistency fosters habit formation.
- Reflective Practices: Allocate time to self-reflect on your journey. This can involve journaling or meditating on progress and challenges.
Ultimately, embracing behavioral changes through mindful eating and a structured routine can lead to more effective and sustainable weight loss outcomes. By focusing on these aspects, individuals can create a supportive environment for their weight loss goals.
Tracking Progress
Tracking progress is a crucial aspect of any weight loss journey. It provides the structure needed to evaluate what is working and what requires adjustment. Weight loss is not just a physical transformation; it is a mental shift as well. Regularly assessing progress helps maintain motivation and can demonstrate the efficacy of an implemented plan. Individuals who keep track of their actions and results are often more successful in achieving their goals.
One of the main benefits of tracking progress is accountability. By documenting food intake, exercise routines, and weight fluctuations, the individual makes a commitment to their objectives. They also become more aware of their habits. This self-awareness can lead to better choices and long-term success.
Additionally, tracking can reveal patterns over time. Recognizing how specific behaviors correlate with weight changes allows for smarter adjustments. It is also valuable for understanding individual differences. Not every method will work for everyone, and tracking helps identify what aligns with one’s unique physiology and lifestyle.
"What gets measured gets managed." - Peter Drucker
Utilizing Technology for Monitoring
Today, technology offers numerous tools and applications for monitoring weight loss efforts. Smartphone applications such as MyFitnessPal or Lose It! allow users to log their food intake and physical activity with ease. These tools often include barcode scanners for quick entry of packaged foods. Thus, they simplify tracking macros and caloric intake effectively.
Wearable devices like Fitbit or Apple Watch also provide valuable insights. They can track steps, physical activity, and heart rate, giving a comprehensive view of daily energy expenditure. The information gathered can guide users in making adjustments in real-time. These technologies promote a proactive approach to meeting and exceeding goals.
Moreover, online forums or community groups, on platforms such as Reddit, provide support and encouragement. Sharing experiences can help maintain motivation and foster a feeling of camaraderie. Connecting with others who have similar goals can enhance the tracking experience through shared tips and insights.
Adjusting Your Plan Based on Feedback
The ability to adjust a weight loss plan based on tracked feedback is invaluable. Once one has gathered sufficient data about their habits and progress, it’s time to evaluate. If weight loss plateaus, it may be necessary to reexamine caloric intake or increase exercise intensity.
Research shows that small adjustments can lead to significant outcomes. For example, if an individual consistently logs their caloric intake and realizes it is too high, reducing portion sizes or substituting high-calorie snacks with healthy alternatives might be necessary. On the other hand, if progress is going well, one can consider increasing caloric intake slightly to fuel workouts better.
Incorporating feedback loops is essential for ongoing improvement. The key is to remain flexible. Results will not always be linear, and adaptability is crucial to success in any weight loss journey. Those who stay committed and adjust their course based on facts will likely find sustained success.


Manage Setbacks and Challenges
Losing weight is challenging, and setbacks can be disheartening. Understanding how to manage these setbacks and challenges is crucial in a structured weight loss approach. It not only aids adherence to a weight loss plan but also helps maintain mental well-being. Recognizing that setbacks are a natural part of the journey fosters resilience and allows individuals to adapt their strategies, rather than abandon their goals.
Understanding Plateaus
A plateau occurs when your body stops responding to the weight loss efforts you have implemented. This can present a significant challenge, especially during a three-week timeline. A variety of reasons contribute to plateaus, including metabolic adaptation, changes in hormonal levels, or simply a need for variation in diet and exercise. When one consistently follows a regimen, the body may adjust, leading to fewer calories burned. Thus, it is critical to stay informed about your body's responses.
Practitioners and individuals must recognize these plateaus as temporary phases instead of failures. Research indicates that plateaus often occur halfway through a weight loss journey and can persist for several days or even weeks. Being prepared for this can mentally equip individuals to stay committed. Strategies should involve reviewing and possibly revising caloric intake and exercise routines to facilitate renewed progress.
Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles
To navigate through challenges effectively, consider integrating several approaches:
- Monitor Your Food Intake: Even with a structured plan, emotional or social eating can creep in. Keep a diary or use an app to track daily consumption. This can reveal patterns that may lead to deviations.
- Revise Workout Regimens: Changing up your exercise routine can stimulate weight loss again. If you have been performing the same workouts, introduce new activities or increase intensity.
- Re-evaluate Your Goals: Sometimes, recalibration of your own objectives becomes necessary. Short-term goals may not align with long-term health. Adjust your expectations accordingly.
- Stay Educated: Knowledge is essential. Consulting studies on weight loss and reading latest findings can provide the motivation to continue and innovate your methods.
- Seek Support: Whether from a friend, coach, or a professional, sharing your experience can lend perspective and provide accountability. Joining a community, either online or in person, can illuminate alternatives to overcoming specific obstacles.
Engaging with the journey and maintaining a proactive stance toward setbacks can transform challenges into learning experiences. Ultimately, this can lead to sustainable long-term habits that align with the goal of maintaining a healthy weight.
Maintaining Long-Term Results
Maintaining long-term results post-weight loss is a critical aspect of any successful dietary strategy. It is not merely about losing weight but ensuring that the lost pounds do not return. Often, individuals experience a setback after achieving their weight loss goals. This can be due to several factors such as changing dietary habits, lack of motivation, or emotional eating. The focus, therefore, must shift from solely achieving short-term weight loss to adopting sustainable changes that lead to lasting results.
A few key elements must be considered for sustaining results. One important consideration is the mindset shift. A successful weight loss journey involves developing a healthy relationship with food and exercise. This means shifting from a temporary diet mentality to a lifestyle change. Engage in positive self-talk and emphasize the improvements made, rather than any setbacks faced.
Another significant aspect is setting achievable health goals. After reaching the initial target, it might be beneficial to establish new goals related to fitness or overall health. Perhaps aim to improve cardiovascular endurance or increase muscle strength. This keeps the motivation alive and provides direction beyond mere weight loss.
It is also vital to adapt one’s nutrition to maintain the new weight. This involves continuing to make wise food choices and being mindful of portion sizes. Regular meals filled with nutrient-dense foods will sustain energy levels and support overall well-being.
"The true challenge is not the initial weight loss, but the consistency in maintaining that loss over time."
Now, let’s delve deeper into how to sustain healthy habits after a weight loss diet and the ongoing education that can support these actions.
Sustaining Healthy Habits Post-Diet
After a successful diet, sustaining the changes is paramount. The first step is to develop a routine that reinforces healthy eating and physical activity. This can mean planning meals and incorporating a regular workout regimen back into life. Meal prep on weekends can provide structure during busy weeks. Incorporate a variety of foods to keep meals enjoyable and satisfy cravings while remaining health-conscious.
Social support should not be underestimated. Engage with like-minded individuals who encourage healthy choices. Joining a fitness group or class can provide motivation and hold you accountable. Forming friendships with those having similar goals can inspire persistence.
Monitoring progress may still be essential even after achieving your weight loss target. Continue using tools like food diaries or fitness trackers. These tools can keep awareness high and help to identify potential slip-ups in behavior. Moreover, occasional weigh-ins can help in recognizing if any adjustments to diet or exercise are needed.
The Role of Ongoing Education
Education plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term results. Knowledge about nutrition, exercise, and wellness evolves constantly. Keeping updated with the latest research helps make informed choices regarding health. This can be achieved through reading reputable articles, attending workshops, or following credible professionals in the field.
Understanding the principles of macronutrients and micronutrients can enhance dietary decisions. Knowing what your body needs allows for more precise planning in meals. Moreover, being educated about the psychological aspects of weight maintenance is equally important. This includes being aware of emotional eating triggers and potential pitfalls that could jeopardize progress.
Incorporating education into your lifestyle creates a proactive approach to health. It also empowers individuals to make conscious decisions that align with long-term objectives. This knowledge can promote resilience against setbacks and reinforce positive habits.
By focusing on maintaining results through sustaining healthy habits and emphasizing continued learning, individuals can increase their chances of long-term success.
Regular reflection on weight loss goals can help fine-tune approaches to food and physical fitness. This ongoing improvement ensures that healthy living becomes a lasting part of one’s identity, rather than a temporary measure.
Finale
In summary, the conclusion of this article brings together crucial takeaways from the structured approach to losing nine pounds in three weeks. It highlights how effective strategies can lead to sustainable habits that extend beyond this short-term goal. Through a focus on caloric deficit, nutritional choices, regular physical activity, and behavioral amendments, one can achieve not just weight loss, but also an improved overall well-being.
The benefits of a structured approach cannot be overstated. A clear plan provides motivation and a sense of direction. Additionally, careful monitoring of progress helps keep individuals accountable. These elements combined ensure that the weight loss journey remains focused and in line with one's personal goals.
Recap of Effective Strategies
To re-emphasize, here are effective strategies that may have been discussed:
- Creating a caloric deficit through balanced meals.
- Incorporating regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises.
- Utilizing mindfulness techniques to identify triggers for unhealthy eating.
- Maintaining a hydration regimen to support metabolic functions.
- Tracking progress with technology to make efficient adjustments.
Each of these strategies plays a vital role in the overall success of losing weight while ensuring that the body remains nourished and energized.
Encouragement for Ongoing Wellness Journey
As readers conclude this article, it is important to emphasize that the journey does not end with reaching the specified weight goal. Ongoing maintenance of healthy habits is essential. This includes a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and continual education on wellness topics.
The long-term success requires a commitment to adapt and evolve personal goals. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to stay curious about their health, seek new information, and connect with professionals in wellness fields.
The path to a healthier self is a continuous endeavor, requiring patience and diligence.
This ongoing pursuit of wellness will guide one not only to maintain the weight loss achieved but also to foster a positive relationship with food and physical activity.