Weight loss can be tough for anyone. Many of us have a pesky 10 or 20 pounds to lose, but what if your weight loss goals are bigger - much, much bigger? It takes time, determination and a plan to lose 100 pounds or more, but it can be done.

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A University of Kentucky study found that one in four people who averaged around 350 pounds apiece could lose 100 pounds in less than four years when limiting themselves to 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day with regular exercise. Getting started is half the battle. Having help from a professional - whether it's a dietician, physician or personal trainer - can make a tremendous difference and get you started on the path to success, plus it causes you to be accountable, a big step in weight loss. Thinking about weight loss not as "going on a diet" but making a lifestyle change can help alter your perspective on losing the weight and keeping it off.
Learning to recognize and changing the habits that made you fat in the first place is key to getting the weight off. The unhealthy behaviors that caused you to gain weight - using food to soothe emotions, not exercising, giving in to cravings - have to stop. You must practice replacing these behaviors with healthier ones.

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Having patience with your body and with the scale is key, too. The old adage that you didn't gain the weight overnight, nor will it come off overnight, is true. You can expect to lose 1 to 1.5 percent of your weight per week, which amounts to 12-18 pounds per month.