Willpower vs Knowledge: What is more important for weightloss?

This is sort of a poll- in your experience what helped you more. And in your weightloss journey, what were your assumptions at the beginning?

Fri. Apr 6, 12:01pm

the way I would answer that is BOTH. to lose weight you need to know to exercise and what to do . how to eat and such, but once you have the knowledge . you have to have the willpower to use it. just My opinion. they go hand in hand working as a team

Friday, April 6, 2007, 12:05 PM

Interesting question. Probably both are necessary. I certainly had the knowledge but it was only when I joined PT that I was able to exert the willpower necessary to reduce my portions. Logging, for me, is of utmost importance.

Since joining, I've lost 35 lb. and feel great. Though I've learned since joining PT, it was much more a question of starting to use self-control.

Friday, April 6, 2007, 2:07 PM

Do people need will power to shower in the morning? Or brush their teeth?

Will power is important, but I think comprehension is more important than knowledge or power. When we actually comprehend what is good for our bodies, we do it- and often enjoy it. I don't need will power to avoid bad food- I'll eat it on occasion and not feel bad because I don't usually poison my body with it, and I can see it as a treat. But I don't need willpower to avoid junk- I value my health and see junk as a threat to it.

You need willpower to overcome temptation. Food is less of a temptation when you see it affecting your health and well being instead of that number on the scale.

Most obese people are INCREDIBLY informed of how to lose weight- because they've read every book and tried every diet trying to lose the weight. And they have will power- because they try all those suggestions from diet books- often for months. I think people don't listen to their bodies enough, nor do they comprehend that nutrition and the quality of food, not just calories matters.

Friday, April 6, 2007, 2:28 PM

Willpower, definitely. Knowing a double cheeseburger is bad for me does not make it less delicious (or less appealing, for that matter).

Friday, April 6, 2007, 6:59 PM

I agree with 6:59. Willpower. but I think motivation is also important, but maybe most people think they are synonyms. I think knowledge gives you the tools to do it, but without willpower all the knowledge in the world is just virtual weightloss...

Friday, April 6, 2007, 8:12 PM

I would definitely have to say willpower but only after you discover self ac"knowledge"ment and motivation.

I've been very educated about what constitutes a healthy diet and lifestyle for quite some time but I never did anything about it.

1. You need the knowledge that you need to make a change. You need to admit that to yourself.
2. Then comes the motivation and goal setting.
3. Then comes willpower and the desire to meet those goals.
4. Then I'd say persistence with your willpower and your plan.

Monday, April 9, 2007, 12:25 PM

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