Strategies for losing weight

Simple weight-loss strategies

There are only a few ways to lose weight and they all involve a very simple principle: Burn more calories than you take in.

This can be accomplished in a number of different ways:
Reduce your intake of calories by reducing the quantity of food you eat
Reduce your intake of calories by reducing the fat content in your diet
Exercise to increase your metabolism
Take drugs to increase your metabolism
Take dietary supplements to increase your metabolism
Reduce the amount of water in your body by sweating, drugs, illness, or inadequate fluid intake


Of course, #6 is not recommended and is only included for the sake of completeness. The other 5 are legitimate strategies for losing weight and a successful weight loss program will include all or most of them.

Fat has 9 calories per gram while carbs and protein only have 4 calories per gram, so reducing the amount of fat in your diet will lower the amount of calories you're taking in. For every extra 3500 calories you eliminate from your diet or burn through metabolism, you will lose one pound.

It would be wise to consult your physician before starting any program of dieting or exercise. It is recommended that you strive to lose 2-3 pound a week.