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To lose weight, you have to set your mind to it. Weight loss takes hard work and determination.

Although these statements may seem overly simplistic, they comprise one of the basic truths about weight management. People who are determined to control their weight find the best tools to do so, and have the right attitude to get the results they want.

Want it.

When a person is motivated to get a healthier, more attractive body, they look for the best way of doing it, not the easiest. They do what they have to even though it may require sacrifice, knowing that the answer isn't as simple as finding a new diet. Rather it's in making fundamental lifestyle changes in order to achieve and maintain they figure they want.

When someone really decides to lose those extra pounds, they unconsciously begin to modify their lives so that everything they do leads them in the direction of achieving their goal. They realize, for example, that where they used to grab a handful of candy without thinking about it--or even really wanting it--now they don't. At the dinner table, they stop and think "do I really want that second helping?" rather than just filling the plate again as usual. They happily park the car further away and walk or take stairs instead of the elevator.

Take control.

It's not enough to just go on a diet. In order to get the body you want, you need to become truly determined to make basic changes to your lifestyle.

Before beginning a weight-loss program, you should think about your goal and ask yourself if you're really ready to go for it. Once you are, you'll enjoy the exciting sensation of progressing toward your goal.

And remember, if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right!

*Dr. Lara-Pantin, a nutrition specialist, is Vice President of Product Development for DrTango, Inc.