About 50 million Americans begin a diet each year, but only 5 percent maintain weight loss, according to the Weight Loss Products and Programs study by Anderson, Young and Roach. However, a few diets have a high success rate and weight-loss retention. Making lifestyle changes, such as watching portion sizes and staying active, contribute to successful weight loss.
Community Programs
The Jenny Craig weight loss clinic uses preportioned foods for weight loss. This system provides motivation, nutrition information and lifestyle management. Clients can use an online tool to help track progress. Clients can lose 1 to 2 pounds a week by using this diet, according to Colorado State University.
The Nutrisystem diet delivers a 28-day meal plan to your residence that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert foods. Clients follow the selected meal plan while including fruits and vegetables. Clients can utilize educational tools and nutrition counselors, and track weight loss online. The diet does not require counting calories, because it provides preportioned food. Clients can receive a refund if not satisfied, which helps make this a top 10 diet for weight loss.
Overeaters Anonymous comprises a 12-step plan that includes spiritual, emotional and physical aspects of overeating. The diet aims to stop compulsive eating, which contributes to weight gain. Clients can consult nutrition professionals if they need advice. The plan does not cost money, and runs on voluntary contributions.
The "take pounds off sensibly" diet, or TOPS, uses a nutritionally adequate diet from regular foods. Clients attend weekly group meetings to track weight. The diet provides steady weight loss without using special weight-loss products. Clients can also track progress online.
The Weight Watchers diet gives a point value to foods based on calories, fat and fiber. Clients receive a point allotment each day based on current weight. This diet emphasizes exercise, social support and healthy behaviors. Clients do not have to count calories, which promotes convenience to fit into your lifestyle. Clients can choose to eat Weight Watchers products, but this is not necessary. Clients can utilize group meetings for support and education.
Liquid Diets
The Slim Fast program supplements food with shakes and bars to lose weight. People should eat a 500 calorie meal, two Slim Fast bars, and three snacks a day to lose weight.
The Medifast plan helps participants lose weight quickly and safely, according to a study from John Hopkins University. A client can lose 20 pounds in a month using this program. It uses high-protein shakes, bars and soups through a delivery system to your home. Clients can choose 70 meal choices that comply with kosher, lactose free and vegetarian lifestyles.
Popular Diets
The Atkins program restricts calories from carbohydrates to help clients lose weight. Clients start eating meats, poultry and eggs, while gradually introducing dairy, fruits and vegetables.
The South Beach program compares to Atkins, but utilizes the glycemic index. The glycemic index categorizes food on a scale from 1 to 100; lower-number foods take longer to digest. Some carbohydrate foods, like whole grains, vegetables and milk, digest slowly, and the program encourages you to eat these foods to help lose weight.
Zone program meal plans consist of 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 30 percent fat. This ratio of foods helps clients lose weight effectively.



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