Approved Weight Loss Programs

Approved Weight Loss Programs
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There is no shortage of weight loss programs out there to choose from, but opting to go with an expert- approved weight loss program may be your safest and best choice. The U.S. government has agencies in place that regulate weight loss related products, including the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. Before trying any weight loss supplement or program, it’s always best to consult your doctor first.

CDC Weight Loss Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, offers weight loss advice based on proven research by various governmental agencies, universities and independent studies. Its approved weight loss approach focuses on the idea of calorie deficit, which basically means that you burn more calories than you consume. For example, a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day can lead to 1 lb. of weight loss per week. Calorie deficit is achieved through dietary changes, such as switching to low fat or low calorie alternatives, and also through exercise. The CDC recommends at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate physical activity a week for adults, or five hours per week for an even greater health benefit. Simply by switching to lower calorie alternatives and exercising each day, you can lose 1 to 2 lbs. of weight per week, which is the CDC’s recommended pace for healthy weight loss.

Alli Diet Plan

Alli is an FDA approved drug that reduces the amount of fat absorbed by the body. This helps to decrease the number of calories you consume from fatty foods. This over-the-counter weight loss pill should only be used by those 18 and older, and you should always consult your doctor before trying any kind of weight loss pill. Dr. Donal Hensrud, M.D., a preventive medicine and nutrition specialist at Mayo Clinic, says that Alli can be safe to use for weight loss purposes along with a healthy diet and exercise program. The makers of Alli have created the MyAlliPlan, which is a weight loss approach that includes a customized healthy diet and exercise regimen. MyAlliPlan uses a 26-step approach to weight loss, which includes educating people on how to eat healthy, portion control and exercise. The idea is to develop healthy living habits that will last a lifetime.

DASH Diet

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, diet has been shown to promote significant weight loss. This diet has been approved by several governmental agencies, including the American Heart Associations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and branches of the National Institutes of Health. The DASH diet plan consists of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains. The primary purpose of this diet is to lower blood pressure, but many participants have noticed weight loss of 10 to 35 lbs. within just a few months, according to DashDiet.org. The type of meals recommended by the DASH diet eating plan are high in fiber and low in calories, so they help you to feel full even though you are eating fewer calories than in the past. Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, the DASH plan recommends eating seven or eight grains per day, four or five fruits, four or five vegetables, two or three servings of low fat dairy, two or fewer servings of lean meat, four or five servings of legumes per week and very limited fats and sweets.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Jun 30, 2010

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