Weight Loss Programs

Weight Loss Programs- How effective are they?

Almost any of the commercial weight-loss programs can work, but only if they motivate you sufficiently to decrease the amount of calories you eat or increase the amount of calories you burn each day (or both). What elements of a weight-loss program should an intelligent consumer look for in judging its potential for safe and successful weight loss?

Features of an ideal weight loss program
A responsible and safe weight-loss program should be able to document for you the five following features:

1. The diet should be safe. It should include all of the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) for vitamins, minerals, and protein. The weight-loss diet should be low in calories (energy) only, not in essential foodstuffs.
   
   
2. The weight-loss program should be directed towards a slow, steady weight loss unless your doctor feels your health condition would benefit from more rapid weight loss. Do not expect to lose more than about a pound a week after the first week or two. With many calorie-restricted diets there is an initial rapid weight loss during the first I to 2 weeks, but this loss is largely fluid. The initial rapid loss of fluid also is regained rapidly when you return to a normal-calorie diet. Thus, a reasonable goal of weight loss must be expected.
   
   
3. A doctor can assess your general health and medical conditions that might be affected by dieting and weight loss. If you plan to lose more than 15 to 20 pounds, have health problems, or take medication on a regular basis, you must see your doctor before your begin your weight-loss regimen. Also, a physician should be able to advise you on the need for weight loss, the appropriateness of the weight-loss program, and a sensible goal of weight loss for you.
   
   
4. Your program should include plans for Behavior modifications and weight maintenance after the weight loss phase is over. It is of little benefit to lose a large amount of weight only to regain it.
   
   - The program you select should include help in permanently changing your dietary habits and level of physical activity, to alter a lifestyle that may have contributed to weight gain in the past.
   
   - Your program should provide behavior modification help, including education in healthy eating habits and long-term plans to deal with weight problems.
   
   - One of the most important factors in maintaining weight loss is to increasing daily physical activity, often by sensible increases in daily activity, as well as incorporating an individually tailored exercise program.
   
   
5. If you plan to use a very-low-calorie diet (a special liquid formula diet that replaces all food intake for I to 4 months), you definitely should be examined and monitored by a doctor.
   
   Are you ready to take the leap towards developing a healthy life style? Our weight loss tips will help you build just the right momentum to gear up your own diet plan- just right or you.