WEIGHT LOSS THAT IS HAZARDOUS

Obesity, being more than 20 percent overfat, is a significant health problem in this country. In fact, more Americans are obese today than any other time in our history. Getting down to your ideal weight, or one that is healthy for you, is a worthy goal, but how you do it is just as important.

Quick weight loss, without real change in eating and exercise habits, may be unhealthy, especially if it is followed by a rapid gain in weight called the yo-yo effect. Our desire for quick and painless weight loss has led to many unhealthy diets marketed by the weight loss industry.

Ask questions to evaluate a weight loss diet. If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, the diet is probably not safe or effective.

Does the diet promise weight loss of more than 2 pounds per week?
Does the diet give testimonials from people who have used the program and had unbelievable success?
Does the diet advise you to eat an excess of any one particular food or nutrient (for example, grapefruit, cabbage, or protein)?
Does the person who developed the diet or product hold a questionable credential or degree from an unknown educational institution?
Are you expected to consume less than 1200 calories each day?

A successful fat loss and maintenance program includes lifestyle changes that include:

appropriate eating behaviors
nutritionally balanced, low-fat, high fiber food selections and
regular aerobic exercise

It is better to have a gradual weight loss so the body can adjust to maintain the loss. A weight loss of less than 2 pounds per week is best. Permanent fat loss requires patience. It is not healthy to lose weight in 5 months that may have taken 5 years to put on.

Remember, anyone can lose weight. However, keeping it off is the challenge, because most people go back to their unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyle habits. This is why people are caught up in the yo-yo syndrome and are getting fatter and fatter.

Successful and permanent fat loss programs incorporate lifestyle changes that include appropriate habits of diet and exercise that are practiced for a lifetime. If you are serious about slimming down for life, talk to your healthcare provider or registered dietitian for help.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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