1 Each year millions of men and women throughout the United States go on diets. 2 Only a few are actually successful in achieving real weight loss. 3 What separates the successful from the unsuccessful? 4 Studies show that there are three factors that contribute to successful weight loss. 5 First, one must be committed to making real changes in one's eating habits. 6 Crash diets simply do not work over the long term.
7 Second, one must be willing to exercise, and not just once a week. 8 Finally, it helps to engage in positive self-talk. 9 Don't tell yourself you'll never lose weight. 10 Tell yourself that you can.