Steady weight loss is healthiest, doctors say

Weight loss is a science, not magic. In quick-fix diets, the metabolism slows down, and eventually a person is eating fewer calories, but not losing weight. This process leads to anxiety prompting us to eat even fewer calories to try to lose and causing bodies to rebel even more.

Fad diets can take off pounds quickly, but not all of them are safe and more often than not, the weight you lose comes back quickly. An all-juice diet or a one-weekend exercise marathon might help a person shed a few pounds, but it wouldn't be healthy. A long-term, healthy plan for eating and exercising is still best and the approach that medical professionals recommend – and trust – the most. While, it's not exotic or trendy, it works for most people.

Those seeking a healthy approach to dieting should aim to lose between one-and-two pounds per week and realize that losing weight doesn't happen overnight, but is a slow process. Healthy weight loss usually means eating 500 to 1,000 fewer calories each day. Weight management programs should be physician-monitored and designed to improve health based on long-term goals.

A healthy diet combines fewer calories with more nutrition and you can get both with a diet that contains:

  • Mostly fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
  • Includes lean meats, fish, eggs, beans and nuts.
  • Limits unhealthy fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.

Exercise is also critical for people looking for a leaner physique. In addition to burning calories, it also lowers your risk for heart disease, diabetes and other long-term health problems while also making your lungs and muscles stronger.

Exercise also brings the added appeal of helping you sleep better.

Have you tried a program?

Getting the needle on the scale to move can be a tough process and there are programs to help keep a motivated dieter on track. Kettering Health Network uses the HMR (Health Management Resources) program, the diet ranked No. 2 by U.S. News and World Reports in 2015. The program includes the supervision of health care professionals, including physician supervision from the initial evaluation through the weight loss phase which allows for monitoring those with medical conditions.

Sign up now for a FREE HMR INFORMATION SESSION and to learn more about how you can get on a healthy track to lose weight.