As the clock ticked down and 2005 ended, many Americans brought in the new year with resolutions to shrink their waistlines in 2006.

But only 8 percent will fulfill them, according to a 2005 survey by Stephen Shapiro, a Boston-based author and former management education consultant.

"This is the prime season to lose weight because of the new year and new beginnings," said Scott Schell, owner of Powerhouse Gym, 435 E. Grand River Ave.

According to a Weight Watchers survey released in December, 45 percent of U.S. women said losing weight will be their New Year's resolution for 2006.

A new year gives an extra drive to attain goals and make lifetime changes through long-term and short-term goals, which are the ultimate success, Schell said.

"People want to lose 50 pounds in a month," Schell said. "That's just not possible."

A common problem among New Year's resolutions is often making unrealistic weight loss goals. Forty-five percent of people who make New Year's resolutions fail by the end of January, Shapiro said.

"The hardest part is not getting people to sign up, it's actually getting people to get their foot into the gym," said Mike Foley, manager of Gold's Gym, 4790 S. Hagadorn Road. "Just like anything else, take baby steps to achieve your goals."

Meeting with a doctor or nutritionist can help create a more realistic weight-loss plan, factoring in genetics, disease and overall lifestyle, Olin Health Center nutritionist Ronda Bokram said.

Fad diets can also steer New Year's resolutions astray, Bokram said.

Bokram said fad diets can lead to binging, and balancing meals is the best way to achieve lifestyle changes.

"The psychological part of dieting is that people crave what they think they can't have," Bokram said. "You are more likely to binge and overeat when you restrict one food group."

Bokram suggests that staying tuned to your body's internal hunger cues will ward off feelings of hunger and deprivation.

"I don't make New Year's resolutions because if someone wants to do something, you'll just do it," said MSU research technician Lindsey Ouellette. "You don't need to resolve to do it."

New Year's resolutions differ among the sexes as well, said fisheries and wildlife senior Ben Gunderson.

"While guys are concerned with strength and building, women want to be leaner and slimmer," he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.