More than half of all adults in America are overweight or obese, according to WIN -- the Weight-control Information Network. Most people understand that being overweight or obese presents health risks including diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. In light of these potential dangers, hosts of people search for easy-to-follow weight-loss diets.
Causes of Weight Gain
The causes of weight gain vary from person to person. Some have a sedentary lifestyle that causes them to store calories rather than burn them. Others may be active but eat poorly, choosing high-calorie and high-fat foods over healthier selections. Still others have underlying health conditions, such as hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome, which can lead to weight gain. The causes of weight gain, as well as a person's tastes and lifestyle, are key factors that determine which weight-loss diet will be the most appropriate. Before experimenting with fad diets and weight-loss methods, talk to a trusted healthcare professional about your health history and eating habits. For most people, a combination of diet, exercise and behavior changes is an appropriate measure. For others, a diet in conjunction with medication is the best option.
Basic Dieting Guidelines
Cutting calories is the rudimentary weight-loss rule, no matter which diet you choose. Whether you opt for a high-carbohydrate and low-fat diet or one that restricts carbohydrates and allows more fats, creating a calorie deficit is essential. To lose just 1 lb., create a calorie deficit of 3500 calories. Your daily calorie requirements are based on your current weight, activity level and health status. For many people, a diet that allows 1200 calories daily yields a moderate weight loss of around 2 lbs. weekly, which experts recommend for steady weight reduction.
Your Plan
No one-size-fits-all diet plan exists. When deciding which weight-loss diet plan will be easiest for you, consider your personal tastes, lifestyle and budget. Some people use meal replacement shakes and bars as a way to consume moderate portions with little guesswork. Others enjoy cooking their own meals and find liquid diets and prepackaged diet foods repetitive. Some people subscribe to home delivery services, which can be pricey but convenient. In the end, the best diets are ones that allow you to eat a variety of healthy yet appealing foods, as deprivation often precedes binging and eventual diet failure.
Diet Supplements
Diet supplements abound in grocery stores and on pharmacy shelves -- many promising speedy results for hopeful dieters. Over-the-counter diet pills may provide slight advantages by giving you an energy boost or by giving you the feeling of being helped, but many contain caffeine and herbal stimulants that are unsafe in excess. If you decide to use a diet pill with your diet, first talk to your doctor about the product. For the best results, use your diet supplement in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise program rather than relying solely on the pill or product.
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