Mayo Clinic Minute: Weight loss and willpower

What is willpower? Merriam-Webster defines it as the ability to control one's own actions, emotions or urges. When it comes to pushing away the potato chips and picking up the walking pace, it's easier said than done. Dr. Donald Hensrud often hears from patients that they don't have the willpower to undertake weight management.

It's a matter of coming up with strategies to deal with the challenges.

He says coming up with strategies to eat healthy, low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods can be a way to game the system, and not just rely on willpower.

Dr. Hensrud says it's important to be kind to yourself, too, and to ask yourself if you are ready for the challenge.
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