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Back to Basics

You've been reading and learning a lot about weight loss. It's time to take a moment and review the basics.

A graphic that explains the actions that lead to changes in weight. If you eat and drink less energy than you burn through exercise, it can lead to weight loss. If you eat and drink more energy than you burn, it can lead to weight gain.

There can be a lot of feelings involved with weight loss. And it's easy to get caught up in lots of details.

But, the basics of weight gain, weight loss, and balancing your weight are clear and simple.

Weight balance equation

  • The same amount of calories in and calories burned = weight stays the same (energy balance).

  • More calories in than burned over time = weight gain.

  • More energy burned than calories in over time = weight loss.

Food basics

Food and drink provide you with the energy and nutrients that you need to think, move, and work. Choose your foods and drinks wisely. Everything has calories, but not everything has nutrients. A sugary soda, for example, has calories, but no nutrients.

Chances are, any weight gain has crept up on you slowly. The best way to lose that weight is also slow and steady.

The 3 basics to healthy weight loss

  • Follow a healthy diet.

  • Reduce your daily intake by 500 calories for weight loss.

  • Keep moving. Limit the time you spend inactive, like on the couch in front of the TV.

Do you need to focus more on physical activity or eating healthy this week?

How will you focus?

What will you do differently?

Send your care manager a message and let them know!