What works?
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?
Responsible
and Safe
A responsible and safe weight-loss program should be able to document for you
the five following features:
1.
Safe Diet
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.
Slow and Steady
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. Expect to lose only 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.
Professional Evaluation
If you plan to lose more than 15 to 20 pounds, have any health problems, or
take medication on a regular basis, you should be evaluated by your doctor
before beginning your weight-loss program. A doctor can assess your general
health and medical conditions that might be affected by dieting and weight loss.
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. 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.
4.
Weight Maintenance
The Right Weight Loss Program was originally published on blackdoctor.org
