How To Lose Weight Quickly And Permanently

Losing weight requires persistence and dedication. You did not put on the pounds overnight, and you won't take them off overnight either. But there are some things you can do to lose weight relatively quickly, in a way that increases your chances of keeping the weight off permanently. Losing weight can help you avoid obesity-related health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Get your doctor's approval before starting any weight-loss program.

Step 1

In order to lose weight, you need to take in fewer calories than you burn through exercise and your regular activity, so any quick and permanent weight-loss program starts with cutting calories. Keep track of how many calories you eat, and then try to cut back. Don't cut back too far, though, or you could jeopardize your health or risk rebound weight gain once you resume your regular diet. According to the Weight Control Information Network, a very-low-calorie diet--800 or fewer calories a day--needs to be monitored very closely by a medical professional. Only obese patients should try this diet, because of the risk of dehydration or malnutrition. According to the Mayo Clinic, losing 1 to 2 pounds per week is the safest way to keep the weight off permanently.

Step 2

Start an exercise plan with a healthy mixture of aerobic activity and strength training. Strength training helps build muscles, which burn calories more effectively than fat does. According the Mayo Clinic, "Regular aerobic exercise is the most efficient way to burn calories and shed excess weight." If you have trouble exercising for an extended period, try exercising for shorter periods several times a day. To lose weight, you should aim for at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise at least five days a week. The more you exercise, the faster you should lose weight.

Step 3

Consider taking an FDA-approved prescription medication to aid in your weight loss. Appetite suppressants are a popular medication prescribed to aid in weight loss. Lipase inhibitors are available via prescription or over the counter. According to the Weight Control Information Network, appetite suppressants "make you feel less hungry by increasing one or more brain chemicals that affect mood and appetite, and lipase inhibitors reduce the body's ability to absorb dietary fat by about one-third." Get the approval of your doctor before taking any weight-loss medication.

Step 4

Ask your doctor if weight-loss surgery is an option for you. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients who have a body mass index of 40 or higher or a body mass index of 35 to 39.9 and a health problem related to their weight might be candidates for weight-loss surgery. But you need to be fully committed to making the lifestyle changes necessary for the results of the surgery to work. Weight-loss surgery is not an easy fix and must be coupled with regular physical activity and a healthy diet to sustain the weight loss. Common types of weight-loss surgery include gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. There are risks and complications of weight-loss surgery that you should discuss with your doctor before seriously considering this option.