2. Having unrealistic expectations
Setting weight loss and other health-related goals can help keep you motivated.
However, having unrealistic expectations is common and may work against you.
One study found that the vast majority of participants hoped to lose more than 10% of their weight, which the authors labeled as unrealistic. Research suggests that missing weight loss goals is associated with dissatisfaction and future challenges losing weight .
If you have a weight loss goal, it may be helpful to choose something practical, such as a 5% or 10% drop in weight at a rate of 1 or 2 pounds each week . This may improve your ability to meet your goal while losing weight at a healthy speed.
