Losing weight is as much about making sure you put the right things into your mouth as it is having the right frame of mind to make healthy changes. You want to mentally be in the right head space to succeed. Sometimes, you have to take an honest look in the mirror and ask, is this the right time to start to change my lifestyle? Sometimes, the answer is no. This is not to discourage you from making healthy changes, it’s to help you understand what might might be a hurdle so that when you get hit with the challenges of making changes – you knew they were coming so you’re prepared and ready to take them on.

This Weight Loss Readiness Quiz has been provided by The American Council on Exercise Lifestyle and Weight Management Second Edition.

1. I have thought a lot about my eating habits and physical activities to pinpoint what I need to change. (True = 1 / False = 0)
2. I have accepted the idea that I need to make a permanent, not temporary, change in my eating and activities to be successful. (True = 1 / False = 0)
3. I will only feel successful if I lose a lot of weight. (True = 0 / False = 1)
4. I accept the idea that it’s best if I lose weight slowly. (True = 1 / False = 0)
5. I’m thinking of losing weight now because I want to, not because someone else thinks I should. (True = 1 / False = 0)
6. I think losing weight will solve other problems in my life. (True = 0 / False = 1)
7. I am willing and able to increase my other physical activity. (True = 1 / False = 0)
8. I can lose weight successful if I have no “slip-ups”. (True = 0 / False = 1)
9. I am ready to commit some time and effort each week to organizing and planning my food an activity programs. (True = 1 / False = 0)
10. Once I lose some initial weight, I usually lose the motivation to keep going until I reach my goal weight. (True = 0 / False = 1)
11. I want to start a weight loss program even though my life is incredibly stressful right now. (True = 0 / False = 1)

The idea of this quiz is really to make you think about the journey ahead. To remind yourself that it takes time and patience. Generally, the higher you score (8 or more) the more realistic you see the process. But that does not mean a lower score should make you hold off. Instead of turning away from making a lifestyle change because you had a lower score, try to evaluate why you answered 0 to some of these questions.

Preparing yourself for a change is key and if you know ahead of time what might be an issue for you along the way- you’re better prepared for success.