In seeking to achieve this goal, you have a wide range of weight-loss plans to choose from. Some plans are better than others. The USDA concluded that, although many diet plans can help you lose weight, those that stress a proper balance of foods from all food groups are most likely to be nutritionally adequate over the long run and are thus good choices for long-term weight maintenance.
In addition, research has shown that setting a regular schedule of snacks and meals, limiting the number of calories for each, and sticking to your chosen plan are effective strategies for losing weight and keeping it off. Finally, making time for regular physical activity is essential.
Such changes aren't easy to make, but by doing so, some people can achieve a significant weight loss -- and can keep the weight off for a year or longer. More often, however, people lose about 10% of their original weight within several months and then regain some weight. The reason for this weight gain is the "push-back" effect: The body's natural response to weight loss is to attempt to stabilize its weight, for example, by slowing the metabolism or increasing appetite. But keep in mind that even if you don't reach your weight-loss goal, any amount of intentional weight loss can improve your health by helping to control or reduce the risk for obesity-related illnesses. Sticking to a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly are also proven ways to prevent diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists at Harvard Medical School are developing a detailed questionnaire to determine the main causes of patients' obesity with the goal of designing the most effective treatments. The questions in the "What's Your Cause Quiz" will help you determine the main reason or reasons that you are overweight, indicating whether the problem is primarily genetic or environmental, and suggesting whether psychological difficulties might play a role. After answering these questions, refer to the body mass index chart to determine how overweight or obese you are. Once you've narrowed down the cause and severity of your weight problem, use the following outline as a guide in figuring out which approaches would likely be most effective for you. You can then refer to the in-depth discussions about these approaches found in the following pages.
Source: LHJ.com - Ladies’ Home Journal online
