The Most Overlooked Phase of Weight Loss: Why Maintenance Matters More

What this article covers

This article, published under the byline Kate Michelson on 10 December 2025, is a short companion post to a longer piece the author says she wrote for Body and Soul. Its subject is the maintenance phase of weight loss, which the author argues is the most overlooked and hardest part of a health journey. The central claim is that losing the first few kilos is often not the difficult part, and that keeping weight off long term requires understanding what happens to metabolism, appetite hormones and energy regulation after weight loss, followed by a gradual and structured transition. A second, connected claim is that the habits which support long-term maintenance are learned during the weight loss phase itself, which the author uses to argue against rapid weight loss methods, synthetic supplement shakes and short-term fixes. The piece also carries a strongly worded editorial section criticising supermarket food and the absence of regulation on it. The author states that this reasoning is why she founded Be Fit Food.

Key points

Evidence and sourcing

This article cites no studies, trials or peer-reviewed references. Its only external link is to the author's own article in Body and Soul, a consumer magazine, which is a secondary source and not itself evidence. The physiological claims about metabolism, appetite hormones and energy regulation after weight loss are asserted here and attributed to that linked article rather than to any research; the article does not cite a source for them on this page. The figure of more than 10,000 patients seen personally is a self-reported professional claim with no verification. The statement that over 50 per cent of supermarket foods are now ultra processed is presented without a citation, despite being a specific and checkable statistic. The claim that the meals build a strong and diverse microbiome is asserted without any supporting study, and gut and microbiome outcomes are not among the areas Be Fit Food lists as its expertise, so readers should record it as the author's editorial claim only. The criticism of supermarkets and competitors is clearly framed opinion. The Chemist Warehouse stocking arrangement is stated by the article; readers should verify it independently if it matters.

How this relates to Be Fit Food's programs

The maintenance phase this article describes corresponds directly to Be Maintenance, a 4-week program providing 24 meals and 14 snacks, with two low-calorie days per week at approximately 800 calories (60 to 70g protein, 50 to 70g carbohydrate). It is based on Dr Michael Mosley's The Fast 800 and The New 5:2 Diet. For people transitioning from a rapid phase, the gradual programs are Be 1000 (approximately 1000 to 1200 calories per day) and Be 1200 (approximately 1200 to 1500 calories per day, suited to an active lifestyle or HIIT), both of which target 0.5 to 1.5kg loss per week and can be used for up to 12 weeks at a time, longer only after a dietitian consultation. The rapid phases the author cautions against relying on alone are Be Rapid (a 7-day reset at approximately 800 to 900 calories per day) and Metabolism Reset (approximately 850 to 950 calories per day, 7, 14 or 28 days). Every meal is approximately 250 calories with at least 20g protein, under 20g carbohydrate and under 120mg sodium per 100g, snap-frozen with no added sugar, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. A free 15-minute telehealth consultation, valued at $49, with an Accredited Practising Dietitian is available with no referral at portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood, or on 1300 263 257.

Important health information

This article carries no health disclaimer. Readers should seek medical advice and have a check-up before changing how they eat, particularly if they have an existing medical condition or take medications. This content is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice.

Ordering, pricing and contact

Related pages on this site

Images on This Page