Although you may lose weight the fastest with a fad diet, the results do not last. After you start eating your normal diet, the weight creeps back on. Instead, make a commitment to change your eating habits and do more exercise to lose weight quickly and keep it off. If you are overweight or obese, your doctor may recommend very low calorie diets or weight loss medications to speed up results.
Diet and Exercise
The fastest and most effective way to lose weight is to create a calorie deficit. You need to burn more calories than you take in. A deficit can be created by reducing portion sizes, choosing low calorie foods and exercising more. If you create a 1000 calorie daily deficit, you lose approximately two pounds per week. Choose low calorie and energy dense foods for your meals, such as fruits and veggies. Eat whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products and limit fried meals, fast food, sweets and soft drinks. Exercise at least 30 to 45 minutes most days of the week.
Very Low Calorie Diets
Very low calorie diets are medically supervised programs recommended to people who are obese. To control calorie intake, meal replacement shakes and bars are provided. If you are on a very low calorie diet, you typically consume less than 800 calories per day. These plans are recommended for fast weight loss when your health is at risk. Very low calorie diets are not followed for a significant amount of time.
Weight Loss Medications
To get results quickly, overweight or obese individuals may consider speaking to their doctor about weight loss medications. Lipase inhibitors and appetite suppressants are available by prescription to help you lose weight. Sibutramine and diethylpropin suppress the appetite while orlistat blocks fat absorption. Side effects of weight loss medications may include dizziness, headache, gastrointestinal upset and increased blood pressure.
Warning
Never fast or use an extreme diet to lose weight fast. Plans to avoid include the Cabbage Soup Diet, Master Cleanse or the Martha Vineyard's Detox Diet. You consume a very low number of calories on these plans and may deprive your body of important nutrients, including iron, calcium, protein and essential fatty acids.
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