One-third of American adults were obese in 2007 to 2008, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another one-third of Americans are overweight, meaning they have a body mass index that is beyond a healthy range. Many Americans attempt to diet each year as a way to lose excess body weight. Nutrisystem and other commercial programs have been designed to facilitate weight loss.
Description
Nutrisystem is a food program that provides three meals and a dessert each day, with calorie counts based on gender. Special plans are available for senior citizens, diabetics and vegetarians, with different food offerings and appropriate calorie counts. Four weeks of meals are shipped to the consumer at once, with some meals frozen and others packaged for the pantry shelf.
Calorie Control
The main reason people lose weight on Nutrisystem is simple: it is a calorie-controlled plan with a list of specific foods, such as fresh produce, that may be added to the frozen and packaged meals. Some individuals find a disciplined diet such as Nutrisystem easier to follow than trying to simply eat smaller portions of their everyday foods.
Meals and Snacks
The company claims that some individuals have weight loss success due to their products' protein and carbohydrate content. Specifically, the company claims that its foods are low on the glycemic index, keeping consumers "satisfied" rather than allowing them to become overly hungry. They also claim the frequent, small meals and snacks help facilitate stable blood sugar, decreasing the risk for binge eating.
The Bottom Line
Successful weight loss has two components: lowered caloric intake and increased physical activity. A lowered caloric intake can be accomplished by many methods, of which the Nutrisystem program is one. Alternatively, you can eat smaller meals at home, replacing processed foods with whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. Some individuals do lose weight with Nutrisystem, but it's not due to a magical formula. It's simply because they followed the provided plan and consumed fewer total calories.
Guidance
If you wish to lose weight using the Nutrisystem plan, be sure to supplement it with skim milk and fresh fruits and vegetables as recommended. Also, follow the guidelines for physical activity, if approved by your physician. Utilize the community support, counseling, weight tracking and other available tools to maximize your chances for success.
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