It's a common observation among Sims 4 players that Sims tend to gain weight over time, which can become particularly noticeable and annoying in long lifespan saves. While jogging or using the treadmill are effective weight loss methods, they might not align with every Sim's personality, especially considering that these options are not available to younger Sims. This comprehensive guide explores various strategies, from in-game mechanics to expansion pack features, to help your Sims maintain a healthy weight and physique.
Understanding Weight Gain in The Sims 4
One of the primary reasons Sims gain weight is due to the game's mechanics around food and activity. To address this, a rebalancing of food calories can be implemented to promote a varied and diverse diet for Sims to maintain a healthy weight. Junk foods should be high in calories, while fruits and vegetables should be lower. Some foods can even have negative or zero calories.
Initially, almost all foods led to calorie gain, as Sims lacked a base metabolism. Now, Sims can have an average, slow, or fast metabolism, influencing how they process calories.
Utilizing the Simwell Health Club
The Simwell Health Club app serves as a central hub for all healthy lifestyle interactions in the game. This menu can be accessed on both your Sim and their phone. Sims with memberships enjoy free access to classes, programs, the gym, spa, and health center.
Membership Options
To fully utilize the features and objects at a gym or spa, and to access the services of the gym trainer and nutritionist, your Sim needs to sign up for a Simwell Health Club Membership. Memberships can be obtained via the phone or by speaking with a staff member at the gym or spa.
Read also: Sims 4 Well-being Tips
Single Day Memberships: These memberships provide one-day access to the spa and gym amenities for your Sim and their household (if they are present).
Signature Memberships: The most varied and affordable option, Signature memberships include:
- Student membership (for university students)
- Senior membership (for Elders)
- Individual Membership
- Family Membership (covers the entire household)
Signature memberships grant access to the local spa and/or gym in your Sim's neighborhood.
Premier Memberships: The most expensive option, Premier memberships offer the most benefits and come in two forms: Individual and Family. Premier members receive significant discounts at the health shop and partner establishments like The Sage Carrot Health Foods Co.
Memberships auto-renew every 30 days. If there are insufficient funds, Sims will be notified and given a 24-hour extension or the option to cancel. To stop auto-renewal, Sims can switch to a month-to-month membership. Sims can change tiers, billing, or cancel their membership through the Simwell Health Club hub.
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Fitness and Wellness Activities
The Sims 4 offers various age-appropriate fitness and wellness activities. Sims gain skills and react dynamically to their time in classes, often inviting others to join.
Nutritionist and Gym Trainer Programs
The Spa and Gym venues have been revamped, requiring Sims to sign up for Health Club memberships to use the facilities. The Nutritionist, Yoga Instructor, Massage Therapists/Reflexologists, and Gym Trainer have unique interactions. You can inquire about the Simwell Health Club's Healthy Habits program with the Nutritionist and Gym Trainer. They will assess its suitability based on your Sim's fitness level and weight.
The Gym Trainer offers a 3-session personal fitness training program that alternates between cardio, strength training, and circuit fusion days. This program is available to Signature members in their home gym or Premier members in any gym. Each session requires speaking to the Trainer to begin.
The weight loss program, administered by the nutritionist, lasts 10 days and includes:
- Periodic check-ins with the nutritionist.
- Daily progress reports on weight gained/lost, diet choices, and physical activity.
- Group workshops for motivation and support.
Dietary Strategies
A balanced diet is crucial for weight management in The Sims 4. With the rebalancing of food calories, Sims must eat a variety of foods to maintain a healthy weight. Junk foods should be high in calories, while fruits and vegetables should be lower.
Read also: Remarkable Weight Loss Journey
The Sage Carrot Health Food Co.
The Sage Carrot Health Food Co. provides healthy meal and drink options via a la carte orders or a weekly subscription delivery service. Sims can order smoothies and meals individually or subscribe to weekly deliveries. Subscriptions allow Sims to specify breakfasts, lunches, and/or dinners, along with the desired quantity. Breakfasts range from $10-15, lunches from $15-20, and dinners from $20-25, with discounted subscription prices.
Practical Tips for Weight Loss
Gym Workouts
Sending your Sim to the gym is a straightforward way to encourage weight loss. Gyms are located in Willow Creek and Oasis Springs. Energized Sims can be directed to perform exercises by clicking on the floor.
Home Fitness
Purchasing fitness equipment for your Sim's home is another effective strategy. Once Sims are directed to use the equipment regularly, they will often begin to use it autonomously.
Active Trait and Aspirations
Giving your Sim the Active Trait in ‘Full Edit Mode’ during CAS or when aging up can boost their metabolism. Choosing an athletic aspiration when creating a Sim or when they age up to a teen or young adult grants the high metabolism bonus trait. To "cheat in the trait," use the cas.fulleditmode option, swap the Sim to the desired aspiration category, and accept the change in CAS.
Alternatively, you can directly cheat the High Metabolism Trait onto your Sim using the following steps:
- Select the Sim you want to add the trait to.
- Open the cheat box (Shift+Control+C).
- Type: traits.equiptrait TraitHigh_Metabolism
- Press Enter.
Special Items and Interactions
Certain expansion packs and stuff packs offer unique ways to manage your Sim's weight.
- Bikes: Adult Sims can purchase and ride bikes.
- Cool Kitchen Stuff Pack: This pack includes the ice cream maker, which allows Sims to make "Taste of Diet" ice cream. Eating 2-3 servings of this ice cream can lead to weight loss.
- Get to Work Expansion Pack: Scientist Sims can create the "Slimify Serum."
Maximizing Efficiency
To make the most of your Sims' fitness routines, consider setting up side-by-side treadmills. Adding a TV in view and having them watch the Cooking Channel (or another learning channel) while working out can raise their fitness, social, fun, and cooking skills simultaneously.
Be aware that weight lifting will tend to bulk up the Sim with muscle.