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When You Want to Lose Weight: Care Instructions

When you want to manage your weight and health, eating a healthy diet and being more active can help. Changing how you think and finding support also can help. You may want to work with your doctor to make a plan that's right for you.

Start by making small changes in your eating and exercise habits. Improve your eating habits by making one change at a time. And try for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on most days of the week.

Your thoughts have a lot to do with how you feel and what you do. When you're trying to manage your weight and health, changing how you think about certain things may help.

How to improve your eating habits

  • Eat a variety of foods, including vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein foods.
  • Drink water more often and limit pop, juice, and sport drinks.
  • Limit foods with a lot of fat, salt, and added sugar.
  • Plan your meals ahead of time.

Ways to get active

  • Go for a walk with a friend, or walk the dog.
  • Mow the lawn, rake leaves, or do some gardening.
  • Try an exercise class online or at a community centre.

Ways to change your thinking

  • Try not to compare yourself to others.
  • Pay attention to how hungry or full you feel.
  • Focus on improving your health instead of changing how your body looks.

Where to get support

  • Ask your doctor about other health professionals who can help, like a counsellor or dietitian.
  • Find a support group.
  • Ask for help from friends or family.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter L869 in the search box to learn more about "When You Want to Lose Weight: Care Instructions".

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.