How to Lose Weight

Practical Guidelines to Lose Weight

Dieting and losing weight is not easy. If it was, rates of overweight and obesity would be much lower. But many dieters do manage to lose weight and change their body shape by following a sensible weight loss diet plan that offers slow, steady weight loss, and by taking regular physical exercise. To help you lose weight, here are some practical guidelines for both diet and exercise, plus a few questions to ask yourself concerning weight loss attitudes and benefits.

Why Do You Want to Lose Weight?

Have you had a good think about why you want to lose weight? It may help to look at it in terms of what your weight or body shape is stopping you from doing now. Make sure you think of benefits other than changes to appearance, such as health benefits or having the energy to do more with the family. The statistic that obesity can take 9 years off a person's life expectancy may also be very motivating.

Are You Ready to Lose Weight?

Answer true or false:

• I have thought carefully about why I want to lose weight
  
• I want to lose weight for myself, not for other people
  
• I am prepared to put effort into changing my food and activity each week to lose weight
  
• I appreciate that I need to make attitude and lifestyle changes for long term weight loss success
  

For every 'false', have a rethink. It is a sign that you may not be ready to lose weight in a way that will lead to long term weight control.

What is the Best Way to Lose Weight?

There is no "best" way to lose weight. Don't forget to talk with your doctor about setting up a weight loss plan.

Take Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity is an important part of effective weight loss and weight maintenance. It also can help prevent several diseases and improve your overall health. It does not matter what type of physical activity you perform - sports, planned exercise, household chores, yard work, or work-related tasks - all are beneficial. Studies show that even the most inactive people can gain measurable health benefits if they accumulate 30 minutes or more of physical activity per day.

Research consistently shows that regular physical activity, combined with healthy eating habits, is the most efficient and healthful way to control your weight. Whether you are trying to lose weight or maintain it, you should understand the important role of physical activity and include it in your lifestyle.