It's a given to be naturally worried about your bulging midsection or the fact that you can barely walk up the fifth step of the stairs without feeling like you're ready to faint. Of course, you get concerned when your blood pressure reads 140/90 mmHg and you're barely 30 years old. When you go shopping and no clothes fit, the alarm bells in your brain go into overdrive and you know you've got to do something.

The question is: Are you ready to lose weight? This might seem like a foolish one to ask to someone who is already experiencing the negative effects of putting on excess weight. But far too often, embarking on a fat loss program when you are not ready for it is the reason why you eventually relapse and go back to your old unhealthy ways. Weight loss readiness is an important part of successfully battling the belly bulge. How do assess if you're truly prepared to shed off those excess pounds?

For starters, you've got ask yourself if you're up for the challenge. Weight loss entails a major overhaul in terms of your eating and lifestyle habits. If you normally rely on fast food or processed foods for your meals, then you've got to be ready to fill up on healthier options like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. And not just for a couple of weeks or months, mind you, but for the long-term. You've also got to be absolutely committed to put exercise into your life. This is perhaps one of the most difficult areas of any fitness program but an honest appraisal of your weight loss readiness entails you to positively answer "yes" when you're asked if you can devote at least half an hour each day for some form of physical activity. If you're not motivated enough to inculcate these changes into your life, then embarking on a fat loss program will be futile.

Another important indicator of your willingness to change for the better is if you're in the middle of a life-changing event. If you are going through a rough divorce, are burdened with responsibilities related to your career, have recently lost a loved one or are in the midst of difficult financial challenges, then you're not really ready to take on a challenging fat loss program. While some find solace in going to the gym while in the middle of a particularly rough break up, a long-term weight loss program can never be achieved while still in the midst of such emotional upheavals. Unresolved stress, anger and grief can easily lead to a phenomenon known as emotional overeating even when you're trying to shed the extra pounds. It's best to wait until things have eased up a bit before undergoing the rigors of a fat loss regimen.

Finally, you can never truly be ready for any form of life-changing fitness programs unless you are really made accountable for your actions. Thus, having a friend, family member or a personal trainer to answer to when you fail to live up to your commitment is integral to a successful weight loss program. They also offer much-needed support and encouragement when you feel too weak to continue with your fat loss efforts.

When you have affirmatively addressed all these weight loss readiness concerns, then you can embark and successfully embrace a fitter, healthier lifestyle as you shed the fats away.