Weight loss is defined as losing excess body fat. Weight loss works best when it occurs slowly, typically ½ pound to 2 pounds per week or sometimes more, depending on the amount of weight to be lost. Losing too much weight too rapidly is not healthy and usually does not lead to lasting results. Usually weight loss occurs more rapidly at the onset of a diet plan and then tapers off often reaching a plateau near the end of the weight loss goal.

Weight loss programs
There are several ways to achieve weight loss including low-fat diets or low-carbohydrate diets; commercial weight loss programs that provide a more structured setting; surgical methods such as stomach stapling or gastric bypass; and diet pills both prescribed and un-prescribed, which are not recommended. Surgical methods are only recommended only for very obese individuals. The optimal way to achieve weight loss however, is through a program that combines diet modifications and moderate exercise. These are often referred to as diet and fitness plans.

Choosing a weight loss program
Choosing a weight loss program can be difficult because of the sheer number of programs out there. Before embarking on any weight loss program or plan, discuss it with your doctor. He or she is familiar with your medical history and may have specific recommendations for you with regard to weight loss such as how many pounds you need to lose for health reasons. You doctor can prescribe safe and effective diet pills as well so there is no need to use over the counter diet pills, which are not regulated and may contain harmful substances.

What else should you consider?
Other considerations include the availability of support groups both in person and online and the qualifications of the staff if you enroll in a commercial weight loss program. For instance:

• Does a medical doctor or registered dietitian run the weight loss program?
• Do special foods need to be purchased as part of the diet?
• Are specific meal plans or foods are part of the diet?

For example if you decide on the Perricone Prescription diet, but upon further examination realize that it involves eating salmon at least once a day, which you don’t like, you would probably want to avoid that particular diet.

The cost of the program is also something that should be considered. Many weight loss programs or diets incorporate foods typically found at the grocery store. Some however, require special foods or foods that may be more expensive than your budget allows.