Comparing Popular Weight Loss Plans And Programs
A calorie is a calorie, the advice goes. Eat too many equals gain weight. Eat fewer equals lose weight. But many people believe weight loss is more than a calorie equation, with so-called new-and-improved ways to lose weight being ever popular. Americans spend an estimated $42 billion annually on weight loss foods, products, and services. With that much money at stake, it is no surprise there are an overwhelming number of "fad" diets and other weight-loss products on the market.
Having so many diet options makes it difficult to know which ones to trust. For this reason, the Partnership for Healthy Weight Management has developed the "Voluntary Guidelines for Providers of Weight Loss Products or Services". The mission for these guidelines is to promote sound guidance to the general public on strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. According to the guidelines, effective weight management involves:
1. Behavior modification that includes:
* Dietary intervention
- Healthful eating in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
- A reduction in calories
- A lowered fat consumption
- An increase in fruit, vegetable, and whole grain consumption
* Physical activity
- Increased frequency
- At least moderate intensity
2. Medical, pharmacological, and surgical intervention:
* May be necessary for people with more serious cases of overweight and obesity.
* Have to be used in conjunction with behavior, diet, and physical activity modifications.
It is important to look for a plan that includes strategies for maintaining weight loss. There is nothing worse than regaining the weight that took you an enormous amount of hard work and patience to lose. Most popular diets are considered fad diets. There is no clear definition for what constitutes a fad diet. Fad diets often promise quick results with a short time commitment. Long-term success requires permanent changes in behavior, diet, and activity.
Many of the diets emphasize the restriction of one nutrient as the basis for their plan. The other food groups and nutrients are allowed in limited or unlimited quantities, depending on the plan. Weight loss is impossible without a calorie restriction, so each diet has to provide fewer calories than your body needs to maintain your weight. Any diet that claims otherwise can end up causing weight gain. Therefore before engaging yourself to any weight loss program better review them for safety and effectiveness.
