Trying to lose weight? Here’s some advice on getting — and staying — motivated from the book “How to Lose 9,000 lbs. (or Less)” (Hundreds of Heads Books, www.hundredsofheads.com, $13.95), straight from people who’ve done it:

“Commit to dieting only when you feel it is imperative: before a wedding or reunion, the week after the holiday season, or when you just want to lose that last five pounds that have been keeping you from feeling stunning! Start early, give yourself at least two weeks to see results, and don’t expect it to fall off overnight.”

— M.J.F., New York City, lost 5-10 pounds

“Don’t be desperate to change yourself overnight. After I had to buy clothes a size larger than I always had been, I was determined to graduate from college weighing close to what I was when I started college. This would mean losing about 15 pounds over the course of a few months. I achieved that goal and then continued with eating better, eating less, and exercising a little more.”

— K.H., Norman, Okla., lost 45 pounds

“Don’t give yourself short-term goals (for instance, looking hot for a party in three weeks), but focus on long-term goals. Otherwise, you will diet like crazy until the event date and then let it all go.”

—F.V., New York City, lost 15 pounds

“Tape a picture of yourself to the refrigerator as motivation. Every time you go to the refrigerator you’ll think twice about what you’re doing.”

—Cheri Hurd, Littleton, Colo., lost 30 pounds

“I only diet for beauty reasons, and if I get healthy along the way, that is a great bonus.”

— V.B., New York City, lost 20 pounds

Hundreds of Heads Books’ survival guides offer the wisdom of the masses by assembling the experiences and advice of hundreds of people who have gone through life’s biggest challenges and have insight to share.