Weight Loss

Just imagine that you selected a diet plan to loose weight. You assume that you will at least be able to maintain your weight. A month later, you discover your weight has increased.

Well, many a times you can gain extra weight without eating more. Do not give me that startled expression. Rather, learn the basic facts underlying your body’s tendency towards weight loss and weight gain.
 
Energy equation
There is one thing called energy equation, or energy balance equation. In simple terms, it is the difference of intake of energy (calories) with its expenditure of energy (calories).

The equation is:
Addition in Fats = energy intake minus energy expenditure.

If calorie intake equals calorie expenditure => no addition of fats/weight.
If calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure => addition of Fats/weight.
If calorie expenditure exceeds calorie intake => reduction of fats/weight.

Most  people reduce their calorie intake by opting for some weight loss plan. They assume that their weight will start decreasing. That is just one side of the coin. Each weight loss plan has some other constraints, which cannot be overlooked.

This is simple. Take a case, wherein you opt for some diet plan to reduce your calorie intake by 500 calories per day. At the same time, you give up some exercise that burn  1000 calories per day. The net result will be a gain of 500 calories per day. The body converts all surplus calories (be it fat, carbohydrate or protein) to body fat. Soon the increase in your weight will be noticeable.

Reduced physical activity adds more to weight gain than overeating does. This aspect is commonly overlooked while planning for weight loss.

However, when physical activity is combined with reduced calorie intake, the weight reduces. 

Illness, depression, drugs and other factors may be involved in unexplained weight gain. However, these are normally temporary conditions and  do not last long. If you are gaining weight without a good reason, talk to your doctor.

As you might have understood by now that weight loss is a serious issue and should not be treated casually. It is advisable to get professional advice on weight loss and your body’s metabolism.

I had many problems when I decided to take on a weight loss plan. However, people who had been successful in reducing their weight motivated me.  In addition, I found just one thing, which really matters.

Any of the commercial weight-loss programs can work; only if they motivate you sufficiently to decrease the amount of calories you eat or increase the amount of calories you burn each day (or both).

Top elements of a weight-loss diet program
There are some essential elements of a safe and effective weight-loss diet program.

The diet should be safe and include all of the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) for vitamins, minerals, and protein. The aim of weight-loss diet should be to reduce calories and not nutrition.

The diet should plan for slow and steady weight loss. Unless there is any specific reason for rapid weight loss, try to avoid loosing weight quickly. Slow weight loss is always better as it gives your body a chance to get accustomed to the change in routine. Weight loss of 1 pound per week is a very good start.
 
I have seen cases where people went on a crash weight loss program and lost 30lbs very fast. After a few months, they again gain weight.

Most of the weight loss plans are meant for 5-10 lb weight loss. If you plan to lose more than 15 to 20 pounds, have any health problems, or take medication consult with your doctor and bring this to the knowledge of your diet planner.
 
Consultation with a doctor recommended. Do not get carried away with big aims. Start with small goals. Soon you will discover changes, which will motivate you for bigger goals.

If you plan to include weight loss pills and other weight loss products then take special care and see if they are for you or not.

Weight Maintenance
Weight maintenance is next big issue after the weight loss phase is over. Weight maintenance is not easy. If you lose weight over time then you might have developed the habit of maintaining weight. It is not implemented in many weight-loss programs. The plan you select should include help in permanently changing your dietary habits and level of physical activity. You need to alter your lifestyle as it  may have contributed to weight gain in the past.

Hence you weight control is a life-long proposition and should be planned only with the help of a professional.