Those who have lost a significant amount of weight and kept it off long term have several things in common: regular exercise, tracking their food intake, planning their meals, etc. Another thing they have in common, which isn't often talked about, is an element of positive social support and accountability.
Programs such as Weight Watchers are successful for this reason. Members surround themselves with like minded individuals who share similar goals and aspirations. Furthermore, the weekly meetings and weigh-ins hold them accountable for their behaviors.
Similarly, those who have a workout partner(s) or who work with personal trainers, dietitians, etc. benefit in the same way. Your adherence to your diet and exercise program will be much greater if you know someone else is counting on you (and vice versa) or YOU'VE SPENT A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY on a service. Trust me, as a personal trainer, I regularly hear clients say "There is no way I would have gotten out of bed to workout this morning if I knew I hadn't paid good money to do so".
Taking things a step further, you also need to evaluate your friends and family members, and take a look at whether or not they are help or a hindrance to you in your quest to lose weight and get fit. Often times, for various reasons (jealousy for example), people in your life may intentionally or unintentionally try to sabotage your efforts to lose weight and get in better shape.
If you feel someone in your life whom you spend a lot of time with (your spouse) is holding you back and making it more difficult for you to reach your goals, you need to confront this person and talk things out. Ask for their increased support. If they become defensive, don't understand, or they laugh it off, you may want to re-evaluate their role in your life. If you have a group of co-workers who continually ask you out for happy hour and appetizers, despite knowing full well what you are trying to accomplish, you should take a critical look at their motives. Any good friend or spouse, in my opinion, should be "all for" you adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Furthermore, you should try to get them "on the same page". If you are living with someone who eats like crap, doesn't exercise, has a negative attitude, etc., I think you have a moral obligation to try to better their life.
Bottom line: let your friends, family members, and co-workers know what you are doing, how important it is to you, etc. If they are true friends, care for you, and have your best interest at heart, they will be supportive. Don't let others bring you down. If they are, spend less time with these folks and find other people who share the same goals and who will be a positive influence in your life. Find a workout buddy, hire a trainer, join a boot camp, etc. These types of individuals, groups, and activities will take you closer to where you want to be.
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