Success on Atkins based on how much to lose

[Effie]

I don't know if there are any statistics on this, but I was wondering which group of people are better at sticking to Atkins after they've hit goal. I know there are lot of people on these boards who are at goal and are still religious about it (ttdriver comes to mind!) Mainly I'm wondering if those with a lot to lose are more apt to stick with it long term than someone with say, 12 pounds to lose. My own thought process is that because it takes so long to lose the weight when you have 50, 100 or even 200 to lose, it really does become a lifestyle change for these people. They also can be more determined to keep it off forever because it was more traumatic/dramatic/ecstatic for them than someone who just wanted to take off a few pounds for bathing suit season.

Are there any goalies out there who only had to lose 10-20 pounds and feel like this was a dramatic change, AND one that you've been able to stick with for the long term? I see quite a few posts on here, and hear from people in real life, who just have a few pounds to lose and want to do Atkins for a short period of time just to take off the weight, with no intention of going through OWL and all that jazz.

I know it's still very individual and maybe I shouldn't be categorizing people into "groups", but it would be interesting to see what these statistics are.

[LilBit]

I think, if you scan the posts, that the majority of people had underlying health issues that this WOE benefits; moreso than simply the weight loss. At least that's how it was for me, previously being hypoglycemic as well as "carb-lethargic".

The health benefits from eating this way is enough for me to last a lifetime. I, for one, know for a fact that I'll NEVER eat any other way for the rest of my life. I don't EVER, EVER want to feel like I did before. The weight loss has been a side-bonus for me.

[Effie]

Yes, good point! I agree with that. I think that the more reasons you have/had for starting this WOL, the more likely you are to stick to it (whether you have 10 pounds or 100 pounds to lose).

If you want to:
Stop the cravings
Lower your Cholesterol
Get off other medications for asthma, diabetes, etc.
Be able to play with and take care of your children
etc
etc

...you'll have a better chance of never falling off the wagon than if your only goal was to lose weight.

This post is helping me think out loud about this

[Kent]

Well we certainly have our not a lot of pounds to lose success stories, like Perry and ttfdriver, I agree with you as a generality the larger person might be more dedicated. That is coming from a larger guy who was super motivated. At its core, I don't know if the generality can ever be really applied to a new Atkineer. The greater determinant is probably those that respond quickest will more likely stick with the diet. If you struggle to lose during Induction (which larger people typically losing 10-20 pounds might help their motivation), you probably won't be sticking around long. That said we have some super motivated people (a lot stronger Atkineers than I), like Betty, that took the initial slowness and lost it all anyways.

[sadie147]

I only had 25 lbs to lose and I've reached goal and stuck with it. I think it all has to do with your mindset. I think the problem for many people is their reason for losing... 'for bikini season' 'for my sisters wedding' 'for my family reunion'. They set a goal date. lose the weight..then go right back to their old eating habits. This has to be thought of as a new way of eating. And I also do think someone with 100+ lbs to lose is more likely to be doing it for health benefits etc. which could have alot to do with the motivation to stick with it, and are more likely to make it a lifestyle change.

I will admit..when i first started atkins I did it as a diet..just to lose weight. but once I started, and realized how better i felt and how great my range of foods were, my mindset changed and it became a lifestyle change more than a diet. I think you will see the successful people on the board, no matter how much they had to lose, do not consider this a diet but a new way of eating for life.

[not2late]

The overall stats (for all weight loss diets) is that 9 out of 10 dieters will regain their weight within 1 year of reaching goal. The stats are even more dismal for those folks who are 5 years post-goal. I think it's something like 2 out of 3 will regain. So we (and the folks on South Beach, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and the rest) have the odds stacked against us.

From reading the posts of the goalies and reading the stories of goalies for other diets, they are the ones who realize that they can't go back to the same eating and living habits that got them fat in the first place. I think once you get that into your head and learn how to eat and live properly, maintaining your weight won't be that hard to do. You see this alot in some folks with high blood pressure or diabetes. The folks who realize that they have to take their medications religiously, eat properly and have good lifestyle habits are the ones who have little issues with controlling their blood pressure or diabetes. Typically, the folks who "cheat" frequently, don't exercise, "forget" to take their medications because it was a rainy morning or whatever excuse they come up with, are the ones in the doc's office every other month, getting their blood work taken, having their medications increased or changed or both.

So yes, you'll have people who will go on Atkins or Weight Watchers to lose a few pounds, then go back to their old eating habits and regain that weight. The question is why bother with the hassle of continually gaining and losing weight? Let's face it, this weight loss stuff is alot of work---it's royal pain in the a$$ imo. Yeah, some folks might get an adrenaline rush from all the drama of "Oh no, I need to fit into a bikini by June 1 or else!" But for me at least, that's one worry/anxiety/stressful situation that my life doesn't need.

As for moving onto OWL and Pre-Maintenance...those phases help you to learn a few things.

1. Everyone has their own carb tolerance level. That level is the amount of carbs your body can have daily and still lose weight. It's an important number to know. When you are at goal, you don't need to lose weight, so you need to know that level in order to maintain your weight.

2. Those phases are really where you learn to "eat in the real world". The folks on the OWL/Pre-Maintenance board know that they have to learn to construct a balanced diet that is appropriate for their bodies. There's a bit of juggling but the process helps you learn what your body can and can't do.

3. Induction is pretty mindless---seriously there really is no heavy-duty thought process involved in it. All you have to do is follow the Rules and eat whatever's on the Acceptable Foods list and you'll mostly likely lose weight. But it doesn't teach you how to keep that weight off.

I've also noticed that the folks who stay on Induction for an extended period of time become carb-phobic: they have a misguided fear of carbs. Carbs aren't "evil". Inappropriate high levels of carbs for your body are to be avoided if you want to maintain and/or lose weight. But you have to find what level is appropriate for you. 2Big and Loonatika can eat over 100 net carbs daily and still lose weight. I can eat up to 40 and still lose. The magic 20 is a one size fits all suit, but then you have to ask, do you want a customized suit or something dull off the rack?

[Isabeau]

Great posts. I totally agree with sadie147, mindset is the key no matter what big changes you want to make in your life.

[spazzyhilo]

yeah I believe that it really depends on your goals, the ultimate reason why you want to lose the weight.

Personally, I dont really have a whole lot to lose, but even though i'm only 21 I definitely plan to stick with atkins for the rest of my life. Diabetes is too big of an issue with my family and I'm hypoglycemic which can very easily become diabetes.

So its nice having a bigger motivator than bikini season to help me stay on track

[bnzstar]

I think I would tend to agree with the initial premise. I know if I had lost 10 pounds during Induction (I needed to lose about 15 the first time I tried) I would have thought Atkins was the best thing since sliced bread. By the time I finally started losing (SLOWLY) after three months, I was about ready to throw in the towel and believe me people were certainly telling me to quit because "it obviously is not working for you."

I don't have any health problems, and technically, based on BMI and all that other stuff I was not overweight, but I wanted to be leaner. So that was not a good motivator.

And Frankly, I'd much rather exercise 7 days a week than stop eating what I like. Generally speaking, I think less overweight people and certainly those who are not obese, tend to feel that more exercise is better because they don't have the mobility issues. Honestly, reducing carbs, has become more of a maintenance thing, than way of life and it works for me.

But again, its all generalization. Just like people with cancer who won't quit smoking; I know morbidly obese people with TONS of health problems who won't stop eating unhealthy food. And I know skinny people with health problems who won't stop doing what's giving them problems or set foot inside a gym, just for general health.

[ttdriver]

I don't know if there are any statistics on this, but I was wondering which group of people are better at sticking to Atkins after they've hit goal. I know there are lot of people on these boards who are at goal and are still religious about it (ttdriver comes to mind!)

Thank you, Effie, I am so touched by your compliment!!! :hug

I have to admit, my initial goal with this woe was to lose weight ... but the final outcome has been HEALTH ... for now and forever ... I am in this for the long haul because I feel so darn good giving my body the fuel it needs for the requirements I make of it ...

Yes, I eat low-carb but that's because it makes me perform at my best. No more brain fog, no more migraines (stimulated by eating refined carbohydrates), tons of energy to fuel my addiction to running, and staying thin and strong in the process.

I am at the point in my life when its NOW OR NEVER as far as taking charge of my health. I am approaching the big 50 ... that in and of itself is motivation to continue, but even if I were 20, I would STILL continue on this woe because it truly is satisfying.

I so agree with Sadie!! (I always do!!) This is no longer a diet. I never tell people I am on the Atkins "Diet", I tell them I no longer eat sugar or white flour, or starches ... I eat tons of vegetables and fruits and lean meats and eggs. Food as God intended for us to eat. And you know what? I have plenty of energy to fuel running 35+ miles a week. I feel great; sleep great; no migraines, no health issues whatsoever. I have a fantastic cholesterol (despite eating saturated fats!!) and I burn my food for fuel.

I can't imagine ever going back to eating the foods that made me feel like a slug. EVER!!

Betty

[fawn]

This has been my wol for 5 years and 4 months. I just plain don't like the carbs anymore. My DH and DD are Atkins lovers as well.