Where will you go from here?

you took a hard look at your body and collected a lot of data to tell you whether you are overweight and, if so, by how much. In this chapter, I have asked you to think about your relationship to food and eating. Now it is time to decide whether you need to lose weight at all. And if you do, whether you are ready to make the commitment.

I believe such a commitment is essential before you can make the changes in habit and behavior that are required for permanent weight loss.

Remember: We are not looking for a quick fix to lose weight. We are aiming for a change in lifestyle that is sustainable over the long term.

Losing a few pounds is simple; keeping them off is the goal. So, where will you go from here?

Knowing what's right for you

Perhaps you have discovered your weight is well within the normal range and your BMI is within the definition of healthy weight. You do not need to lose more weight, but I hope you will adopt or maintain an active lifestyle and the healthful eating habits we've been talking about. And if, over the course of time, your weight begins to creep into overweight territory, I hope you'll pick up this book again.

If your self-assessment tells you there's weight to be lost, but you are not ready to change your behavior and make a serious commitment to being more active and eating in a healthier way, it may make more sense to put the idea of weight loss on the back burner. Let it simmer, though, and revisit the idea from time to time. Perhaps talking to a doctor or friend will convince you that your health depends on it. Perhaps being more aware of your behavior around food and exercise will keep alive the thought of changing. Just because you aren't ready now doesn't mean you never will be.

But if you're ready to really do it, let's go full speed ahead!

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