Studies Suggest Factors That Can Predict Diet Success, Awareness Will Help More Dieters Shed Pounds

Psychiatrist, Dr. Anthony J. Burlay, says studies suggests a similar set of factors integral to predicting a successful weight loss attempt and that this information can help dieters meet their weight loss goals.

(PRWEB) February 2, 2005 -- Psychiatrist, Dr. Anthony J. Burlay, says a review of recent studies suggests a similar set of factors integral to predicting a successful weight loss attempt. While psychological factors play the most significant role in a dieters chance of success, Dr. Burlay says that knowledge of the significant predicting factors can be used by dieters to assist them in their own weight loss goals.

Some of these factors include:
• Previous weight loss attempts
• Knowledge of metabolism
• Support of family and friends

Those that have attempted to lose weight several times often begin new diets with mixed feelings-- depression and hope for success. Dr. Burlay says it is important for the serial dieter" to recognize themselves as such and change their approach. Viewing dieting as a time-limited event, rather than a permanent lifestyle change helps perpetuate the serial dieter cycle," he says. To make a lifestyle change, Dr. Burlay says, serial dieters must put aside the notion that sustainable weight loss is not possible and revise their individual plan." Choosing a path which combines psychological support and an evolutionarily correct" diet will make the revision easier, he suggests. Our bodies evolved over millions of years with a diet very different from todays western fare," he says. Eating the way our bodies are designed to eat will address many of the physical difficulties dieters experienced during previous failed attempts. The dieter can then concentrate on their psychological improvement.

A dieters basic knowledge of metabolism and how the body processes various nutrients also helps to predict their success. Those that need to lose weight must go beyond blindly following food lists or menus," he says. Education and information about the human body can help the dieter to manage common pitfalls and obstacles to weight loss, further assisting in their effort to stick with a long term plan.

A dieter must also realize that there are cultural, familial, stresses, and other influences on eating," he says. Like any new skill set, practice and support are required to make a change, says Dr. Burlay. A successful diet plan must taste good, have plenty of flavors and be realistic in food preparation and in social scenarios. Those dieters that have the support of family and friends, especially those that share in the dieting experience, are more likely to succeed in their weight loss goals.

Awareness of diet success predictors can help dieters make better and more informed decisions surrounding weight loss, Dr. Burlay says. Learning about diet success predictors will help some to reevaluate their past failures and revise previously unsuccessful efforts," he says. He hopes that dieters will take the time to educate themselves as much as possible about these predictors and prepare themselves before their next diet attempt.

About Anthony J. Burlay, M.D.
Anthony J. Burlay, M.D. is the author of The Foundation Diet: Your Body Was Designed to Eat," (Zen-Fusion Publishing, $22.95) available at Amazon.com and major booksellers. He attended medical school completed his Psychiatric Residency at the University of Maryland at Baltimore and is Board certified in General and Addictions Psychiatry. More information is available at www.FoundationDiet.com.

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