Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Unconventional Safe Weight Loss Method

By Andrea M.

Obesity is a growing problem in the United States. The latest statistics show that nearly 2/3 of Americans are significantly overweight and almost half are actually obese. As more and more attention is focused on this problem and other health related issues it causes, more and more people are looking for different methods to achieve rapid weight loss. Fast weight loss is not always the healthy choice. There are some medically approved methods that should be used if rapid weight loss is the goal.

Visiting one's family doctor is the logical first step toward beginning a safe program of rapid weight loss. He can make suggestions and give information about different procedures and products that are available to help those who are significantly overweight to achieve rapid weight loss with complicating other health issues. He will also recommend specific diet changes and a personalized exercise regimen to begin during this visit.

There are medical procedures and surgeries that can be performed to assist in rapid weight loss for those who are morbidly obese. Liposuction, gastric bypass, and installation of a Lap Band, along with other more drastic surgical alternatives may be considered by those seeking a fast weight loss program. Each procedure has its own unique risks and benefits. Discussing the options with the doctor so he can outline the benefits and risks of each, and a decision can be made about whether the benefits out weigh the risks is crucial.

Appetite suppressant medications may be purchased at most pharmacies and the drug section of grocery stores. Care should be exercised in choosing and using these medications as the risks of side effects are significant. As a general rule, appetite suppressants are not suggested as a means to achieve fast weight loss.

It is a common misconception that dieting to produce rapid weight loss involves starving one's self. This is completely false. Starving one's self can actually create worse problems and compound the issue of obesity. Depriving the body of food sends it into a starvation mode where hormones are produced that cause the body to break down its own muscles and tissues for protein to power vital systems while calories taken in are stored as fat against later need. The result is poor health and often no weight loss.

Dieting to bring about rapid weight loss often includes making fundamental changes to one's eating habits. Rather than eat 3 large meals each day, eat 4 to 5 smaller meals. Controlling the size of portions is critical to rapid weight loss. It is important to eat enough food to sustain the body without eating extra. Changing what is eaten is more critical than how much. Fresh fruits and vegetables in place of high fat, high calorie foods will help along with reducing the amount of red meat consumed and limiting starches. Done properly, the body will still feel full after eating less calories than before.

Of course, exercise is also a critical step in rapid weight loss programs. The doctor will generally outline an exercise regimen designed to burn more calories than are consumed without stressing parts of the body that are not yet able to withstand added strain. As the weight comes off, the exercises will become more intense, leading to faster weight loss yet. - 16887

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