Be sure the people around you make you feel good about you—no matter what your size or health condition. In addition, if close friends encourage you to smoke, overeat or drink too much, find some new friends who have good health habits and also want a healthier you.

Elaine Magee, MPH, RD, author of more than 20 books, says you shouldn't get hung up on pounds or what size dress you are wearing.

"Instead, focus on being healthy from the inside out," Magee says. "Eat well and exercise regularly. And remember that you can be sexy and look and feel fabulous and not be thin."

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