Overly restrictive New Year's resolutions are doomed to fail if the weight on the scale is the only measure of success, a nutritionist warns, while 60% of Quebecers want to lose weight, according to a new survey.
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“Weight is not always as easy to change or control as the weight loss industry tells us,” says Andrée-Ann Dufour Bouchard of ÉquiLibre. Weight loss is not based on performance. Changing your lifestyle requires effort and willpower, and unfortunately weight does not always follow in proportion.”
Nutritionist Andrée-Ann Dufour Bouchard, also project manager at ÉquiLibre. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ÉQUILIBRE
paradox
Furthermore, a survey by the Léger company commissioned by his organization reveals an important paradox. Although more than 80% of respondents believe society places too much emphasis on physical appearance, nearly 60% want to lose weight or are afraid of gaining weight.
“Although it is easy to see in society, at an individual level we often think that we have control over our weight or that we could do better,” emphasizes Ms. Dufour Bouchard, adding that the month of January is also beneficial be questions about our waistlines.
She points out that restrictive diets are ineffective in the long term because people often gain back the weight they lost. “If it worked, we wouldn’t be making the same resolutions January after January,” she breathes.
Other measure
“It is positive for our health to improve our diet or do more physical activity, but if the only way to measure the effectiveness of our lifestyle changes is weight, there is a risk,” says the nutritionist, because weight can also be below influenced by age, genetics or medications, among other things.
“We need to consider weight as a possible side effect, but not a guarantee. It is more beneficial to make small changes that we maintain throughout the year than big changes that we abandon in February,” she continues, advocating realistic activities that we do every day that ensure well-being.
What do Quebecers think about weight?
81% of Quebecers agree that society places too much importance on appearance;
56% of Quebecers are concerned about the idea of being or becoming fat and 59% want to lose weight, regardless of weight;
41% of respondents feel guilty about not eating healthier;
56% of respondents feel guilty because they no longer exercise;
41% of respondents are worried or stressed about their weight.
Source: Light Survey conducted for ÉquiLibre