Progress, Not Perfection: A SMART Way to Manage Weight in the New Year

If 2026 is the year you’ve decided to take control of your weight, you’re not alone. Losing weight is one of the most common resolutions and is doable with thought and planning. If you’ve resolved to lose weight, try to:

Create realistic expectations: Losing weight isn’t an overnight process. It takes time. Remember that small steps lead to big wins. Find a method that will work for you over the long haul and don’t give up when setbacks happen. Celebrate your successes.

Set SMART goals: The SMART method refers to making sure that goals are:
- Specific – "I want to lose. . ."; "I want to wear a size. . . "
- Measurable – pounds, inches, clothing size
- Attainable – Is it possible? Will it fit with my lifestyle?
- Relevant – I want to lose weight because. . .
- Time-bound – How long will it take? (week, month, year)

This framework will help you monitor your progress.

Ask for help: It’s tough knowing which weight loss method to choose. What works for one person may not work for another. Also, nutritional information can be confusing. Set up an appointment with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian for guidance. They can answer your questions and devise a weight loss plan that is right for you – based on your overall health and taking into consideration chronic conditions such as diabetes, food allergies, heart disease or physical limitations. Periodic follow-ups will help keep the plan on track. If you need a primary care provider or dietitian, call the UK King’s Daughters Care 24/7 line at (606) 408-8999.

Explore your options: If you’ve been unsuccessful on your own, talk to your primary care provider. They may refer you for counseling with a dietitian or to UK King’s Daughters Center for Healthy Living, which offers medication-based and surgical weight loss options. The Center is staffed by team of obesity treatment specialists, including physicians, surgeons, dietitians, nurses and behavioral health specialists. Contact UK King’s Daughters Center for Healthy Living at (606) 408-1542.