12 uplifting mantras to tap into after a weight-loss setback

Get back on track with these wise words from real WeightWatchers® members.
Published February 18, 2020

If you've ever weighed in after a long weekend, holiday, or heavy restaurant meal, you probably know what it feels like to experience a weight-loss setback. (In short: It sucks.) And while the weight-loss journey isn't always a straight shot—there are ups and downs and twists and turns—gaining weight despite your best efforts to do the opposite can be a major let down.

Before you let your disappointment spiral into an even more major setback, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and hop back on the bandwagon with these motivational mantras from real WW members who've experienced weight gain—and bounced back from it. 

12 motivational mantras to get you through a weight-loss setback 

Feeling frustrated? Repeat these mantras for a mood boost, then remind yourself: You've got this! 

1. "A setback is just an opportunity for a comeback."

—Cari (@wwgirlmeetsworld), first joined WW in 2003, again in 2009, and finally in 2017; lifetime member since 2018

2. "Every day is a new day."

—Maritza (@mlcramirez), WW member since December 2019

3. "We're only human."

—Rachel (@rachelsroadtohealthy), first joined in 2015 and again in May 2019

4. "My choices don't define me."  

—Deana (@deeal_01), WW member since January 2020 

5. "FFMO: Forgive, Forget, and Move On."

—Lisa (@lisazoelch), WW member for 26 years and WW coach

6. "Giving up isn't going to get me there."

Caseyann (@iam4reihl), WW member since 2019 

7. "I'll reach my goal no matter how long it takes to get there."

—Valerie (@vallariat), WW member since 2019

8. "It's what you do next that matters."

—Tammy (@bigwig1962), WW member since January 2020 

9. "The weight isn't going to come off overnight—and that's OK."

—Rosa (@r0sali8), WW member since 2019

10. "The next meal is an opportunity to start fresh."

—Gaby (@gabym82), WW member since March 2018 

11. "I'm not starting from the beginning, I'm finishing what I started."

—Justin (@justlosing80baby), WW member since September 2019

12. "Only the ones that don't try don't make mistakes."

—Amélie (@shrinking_duo), WW member since January 2020

Looking for more motivation? Follow @WW on Instagram.

Elizabeth Narins is the editorial director of digital and social content at WW (formerly WeightWatchers) and a Brooklyn, NY-based writer whose work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Men's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, Elle, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Delish, and more.