Its a question many deal with on a daily basis: whats the best way to lose weight and keep it off? Researchers at California Polytechnic State University say the answer may rest in how conducive your home is to weight loss success.
The new study, appearing in The Annals of Behavioral Medicine, has found that predictable factors like exercise and control over eating play a role, but so do factors in the home like fewer TV sets and more exercise equipment.
Researchers compared people who had lost over 10 percent of their body weight and kept it off for at least five years with overweight or obese individuals who have been unsuccessful with long-term weight loss. They found that the successful subjects exercised more, made healthier choices about eating and had “healthier” homes, with fewer televisions, more exercise equipment and better foods.
“You have to pay attention to your home environment if you want to succeed. Do you have a TV in every room? When you walk into your kitchen, do you see high-fat food or healthy food?,” asked the studys lead author Suzanne Phelan.
Dr. David Katz from the Yale University School of Medicine says the study proves that some markers of success are self-explanatory, like exercising more and eating more sensibly. It also highlights the importance of changing your environment to promote a healthier lifestyle rather than just having willpower.
Some health practitioners have suggested the alkaline diet for those trying to shed extra pounds. It is based on citrus fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts and legumes.