Photo: Vesna Andjic/istockphoto
Mistake #5: Keeping Your Goals to Yourself
Why it's wrong: Weight loss is hard, and support will make it easier. Family and friends can be great people to lean on, says McDaniel, but of course, watch out for those who aren't really looking out for you (like the friend who's always encouraging you to "have just one more" of everything). The best bet may be to reach out to people who are also trying to lose weight. Burguera leads weight-loss groups at the Cleveland Clinic and notes that "the success that happens here isn't because of the doctors–it's because of the support that the group provides" and that patients are always sharing honest advice about what's worked for them and what hasn't.
What to do instead: Find a community of people you can share your weight loss with. Lots of food-tracking and weight-loss apps include ways to connect with other users, or ask your doctor if their office ever organizes get-togethers for patients trying to lose weight.
From the
October 2016 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
