Researchers with the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) Research Group evaluated weight loss strategies related to body mass index (BMI) in 5,145 overweight patients with diabetes in a recent clinical trial. They found that patients with lower BMIs tended to eat breakfast at least six days a week, eat five meals and snacks per day and less than two fast food meals per week. In addition, 41% of patients weighed themselves at least once a week.

What do you think of these results?

Have you adopted similar habits and seen positive weight loss results?

I think all of these have a lot of merit. The only one I really question is weighing yourself weekly. Sometimes when I weigh myself I get mad, and getting mad makes me want to eat! If I'm at a lower weight than I expect, I also find myself thinking that I deserve to eat more. It works better for me to avoid the scale and monitor my weight with a favorite pair of jeans. If they fit without being too snug, I'm at a great weight!

I like that strategy! I can be married to the scale, which as you said, can be a deterrent rather than a help. I think I might disagree with the study findings on that point.

Some people seem to find regular weigh-ins a good way to stay on track with their weight loss goals, though. I guess in this case, it makes sense to take a hard look at the pros and cons of using the scale and then make an individual decision.