You don't need to buy anything special to lose weight. Weight loss is a simple matter of mathematics. You need to burn more calories than you consume to shed fat and pounds. The problem is trying to find the will power to cut back on sweets and fatty foods and the determination to get more exercise to burn calories. That's where commercial products may help. "Consumer Reports" studied a variety of the most popular diet and weight loss plans to see what really works.
Jenny Craig
It's often said that the best diet is the one you can stick with, and that's one of the reasons the Jenny Craig diet plan was ranked tops in the "Consumer Reports" study. The "Journal of the American Medical Association" reports that during a two-year study, 92 percent of participants stuck with the Jenny Craig program and wound up 8 percent slimmer than when they started. However, participants in the study were provided the food for free. Jenny Craig sells foods that are delivered to your door and offers diet counseling.
Slim Fast
The Slim Fast diet plan came in second on the "Consumer Reports" list. It's designed as a meal-replacement plan. Slim Fast shakes and bars are combined with portion-controlled meals, exercise and support for weight loss. On the plan, dieters use Slim Fast products for two meals and one snack a day. Slim Fast reports it has been helping people lose weight for more than 30 years and has 47 published clinical studies to back up its approach.
Weight Watchers
While Weight Watchers does sell food products, its approach is to help people make better decisions about the foods they choose to eat. Weight Watchers stresses that it teaches people how to live in the "real world" and puts an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It offers group and online support to keep dieters on track. Weight Watchers has been around for more than 40 years and has had millions of followers.
Other Plans
The Zone Diet, Ornish Diet and Atkins Diet round out the Consumer Reports list. The Zone Diet seeks to control hormone levels in the body to affect weight and health. It takes a moderate approach to carbohydrates, protein and fats. The Ornish Diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and exercise while limiting fat and animal products. The Atkins Diet was one of the first low-carbohydrate diet plans, and it emphasizes protein foods over carbs.
No Diet
It isn't necessary to follow any specific weight loss plan if you're willing to get a little more exercise and start making wiser food choices. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends eating smaller portions, choosing foods lower in fat and calories, drinking water instead of sugary drinks and being physically active. Losing weight can help improve your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. It may also help you to avoid developing weight-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers.
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