If you have been trying to lose weight for a long time without success, here is what you should consider. Do you know what works for your body? What do you need to change for your body to release weight? If you feel you've tried all kinds of things and nothing works, don’t despair. Let’s chat for 15 minutes and see if I can help.

However, if you know what you need to do but can’t make it happen, consider the opportunity cost.

The opportunity cost of weight loss is something valuable you have to give up to lose weight. It’s the trade-off or sacrifice you make by dedicating time, effort, and resources to pursuing weight loss goals instead of engaging in other activities.

The opportunity cost of weight loss can vary based on your unique circumstances and priorities.

Examples of opportunity costs

1. Time and Energy: Embarking on a weight loss journey often requires dedicating time and energy to meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and exercising. The opportunity cost may involve giving up leisure activities like watching less Netflix and going to bed early to have the energy in the morning to work out or giving up the convenience of takeout or packaged foods.
2. Financial Costs: Weight loss efforts may involve expenses related to buying fresh, nutritious food (and, hopefully, not wasting it), signing up for a meal delivery service, or paying for professional help like a personal trainer or nutritionist. The opportunity cost could be diverting funds from other areas, such as travel, entertainment, or hobbies.
3. Social Opportunities: Changing eating habits can require altering your social arrangements. It might feel uncomfortable bringing a salad to a party vs. your famous chocolate chip cookies or suggesting a hike to a friend vs. the usual happy hour cocktails. The opportunity cost may involve missing out on some social experiences, like sharing a bucket of popcorn at the movies.
4. Emotional and Mental Effort: Based on my experience, this one is the hardest and most underestimated. Focusing on weight loss often means paying more attention, making tough choices, or dealing with cravings and inner demons. The opportunity cost could be leaving your comfort zone, not getting what you want at the moment, or giving up a carefree attitude.

Evaluate your opportunity costs based on your values, goals, and priorities. Then compare them to the benefits of weight loss. Do the benefits outweigh the opportunity cost? My free online course leads you through the process.

Take care,

Olga