Webinar: Weight Loss: 5 Behavioral Strategies for Success

More information regarding the Mayo Clinic Diet Experience can be found here: https://healthyliving.mayoclinic.org/.
The Mayo Clinic Diet Book can be purchased via https://store.mayoclinic.com/products/bookDetails.cfm?mpid=60

I watched the webinar via Google Hangouts, but I did not see a place to post questions. Was there a comments section?

I heard what you eat first thing in the morning and how much water you drink impacts how your body burns calories. If you eat protein first thing and drink 8 glasses of water improves weight lost. Is this true?

It sounds as if Mayo is pretty proactive with community and personal weight loss support. I haven't been able to find anywhere with the same focus where I live; they are all about medical wt loss inc surgery or meal supplements etc. I can't afford all that and know it wouldn't be right for me anyway. I need help with exercising with RA, meal planning and motivation as well as psychological issues which keep me from being successful. I have asked my PC and she just does not have any helpful insights ('find a gym'-I can't afford one, 'find a counselor'-I haven't found any that are weight issues oriented, 'get in a group'-there aren't any in the rural area I live in, etc). My rheumatologist, who is 3 hours away in a university setting probably has access to all this but she knows I live too far away for her recommendations. I know myself and how I need a comprehensive, interdisciplinary and inexpensive (I'm on Medicare for disability and don't work) approach to succeed but have no luck locating any programs after all my searching. It's very overwhelming as I am 140 lbs overweight and can't see my way out of this without some direction. Any suggestions of how to proceed? Are there any behavioral or other clinical trials? How can you help patients who are 5 hours away from Mayo? I can't afford to buy your Mayo Clinic Diet program but I have insurance.

What do you suggest for someone like me who works shift work days, evenings and nights with diet and exercise schedule? I eat less and am always feeling exhausted. I've tried drinking lots of water. And, with changing my synthroid back to generic has seem to slow my metabolism more. Is there any credence to this observation?

I eat too much. I eat pretty healthy but I eat way too much.
How can I change

Thank you for your participation. This webinar was recorded and can be viewed under Previously Recorded https://connect.mayoclinic.org/hubcap/webinars/

Hello,
One of the challenges with weight management is that many different factors have to be addressed to achieve long term success. I have worked with many people who believe if they cut out “junk foods” they will achieve a healthy weight. While cutting out junk foods can lead to some weight loss, it is important to generally choose healthy foods. It is also important to select from the appropriate range of healthy food groups, and to consider total calories consumed. I think the starting point is for you to change your food plan from just focus on eating healthy foods (which can be a great step one), to now having a focus on healthy foods, from all food groups, with a caloric goal set by working with a registered dietitian. So a change plan from step one of eating health foods, to step two which is healthy foods, all healthy food groups, and consideration of calories.

I would encourage a discussion with a physician to help determine a health goal weight for you, along with changes in medication. Here is a link to fitness information that might be useful:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/fitness/art-20045099

A wellness coach could be an option to help you with exploring motivation and helping you to determine your own weight management plan. He or she would also be an asset to your social support and accountability for collaborative goal setting and someone to help guide you through that direction you are seeking. Wellness coaches can work telephonically with anyone, anywhere so location would not be a limitation. When searching for a wellness coach online, I recommend looking through their credentials and training program to ensure they have passed a certification exam which speaks to their understanding of coaching.
Here are links to free resources on Healthy Lifestyle and Weight Loss:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/basics/weightloss-basics/hlv-20049483
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/HLV-20049483