Behavioral Modifications

Setting the right goals is an important first step. Most people trying to lose weight focus on just that one goal: weight loss. However, the most productive areas to set your focus are on the dietary and exercise changes that will lead to long-term weight management. Successful weight managers select two or three goals at a time that meet the following criteria:

1) Specific
2) Attainable
3) Forgiving (less than perfect)

For example: "Exercise more" is a commendable ideal, but it's not specific. "Walk five miles everyday" is specific and measurable, but is it attainable if you're just starting out? "Walk 30 minutes every day" is more attainable, but what happens if you are delayed at work one day and then a thunderstorm interrupts your walking time on another day? "Walk 30 minutes, five days each week" is specific, attainable and forgiving. In short, a great goal!

Behavioral Assistance Programs 

Setting goals is one form of behavioral modification that should occur for success, but other personal modifications may need to be addressd as well. The following programs offer assistance in behavioral modification from smoking cessation to weight management.