8 ways to boost your weight loss motivation

Losing weight is a gradual process, and one that takes time, effort and perseverance. So don’t be surprised if your weight loss motivation levels ebb and flow during the course of your journey - it’s completely normal.

If you need a helping hand to stay on track, check out the following tips to help yourself stay focused and inspired.

We’re all unique, so it makes sense that our weight loss journeys will all look a bit different. The key to success is to identify the things that work for you. When it comes to eating, that might mean ensuring your fridge is always stocked with healthy foods, or building a repertoire of quick and easy meals you can throw together after work. In terms of exercise, you might be a fan of group fitness classes, or perhaps you get your endorphins from solo running or cycling. In short, find what you enjoy and motivation will follow.

Keeping a journal or a diary is a great way to motivate yourself to lose weight. Try setting aside ten minutes each day to jot down your thoughts, feelings, successes and challenges. A few weeks into your journey, you’ll be able to look back at just how far you’ve come and how much progress you’ve made! Keeping a record of things will also help you to identify any recurring obstacles or triggers that are standing in the way of you reaching your goals.

Sharing your journey with like-minded people is a brilliant way of keeping you (and them!) motivated to lose weight. By engaging with our in-app community Connect - which is at your fingertips in the WW app - you can swap tips and advice, exchange recipes, and provide each other with some moral support during any tricky times. Plus, research shows that individuals who receive social support are more likely to engage in healthy eating and physical activity behaviours, and consequently lose weight.

As you continue to navigate your wellness journey, it’s important to take the time to recognise all the little successes you achieve along the way. After all, your hard work deserves to be celebrated! Why not treat yourself to a new item of clothing, a beauty treatment or a fun day out next time you reach a mini milestone?

It can be all-too-easy to fall into a rut of eating the same meals and taking part in the same sorts of physical exercise, so one of the best ways to boost your motivation is to mix things up a bit. Next time you’re at the supermarket, why not pick out a fruit or vegetable you haven’t tried before, and build a meal around it? The app is a great source of inspiration if you're looking to try new recipes. You could also shake up your fitness routine by trying a new class or finding an interesting new walking route.

For many of us, physical activity is something we think we should do rather than something we actually want to do. The best way to make exercise a habit is to find something you enjoy - so rather than force yourself out on a run when you hate running, why not sign up for a Zumba or Boogie Bounce class? Or, if you like walking, but you’re getting a bit bored with the same old routes, try heading somewhere new, or putting together a fun playlist to keep yourself entertained.

Making the decision to lose weight and improve your health is a fantastic goal to have, but it can feel a bit overwhelming at times! If you’re struggling to stay on track, try breaking things down into smaller, more manageable steps. Perhaps you could start by tracking breakfast every day for a week. Or maybe you could focus on getting outside for a short walk every day. The trick to keeping motivation levels high is to pick a couple of mini goals to concentrate on, rather than trying to do everything at once.

Much as we all wish it were otherwise, losing weight isn’t something that happens overnight. Rather than focusing on the end result, try to enjoy the journey (yes, really)! Trying new things, meeting new people and celebrating your mini milestones can help make the journey fun, and keep you going until you reach your goal weight. Try not to compare yourself to other people, either - everyone’s journey is different. Instead, focus on all the positive things you’re doing to improve your health and feel proud of yourself!