Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Healthy methods of achieving Rapid Weight Loss

By Andrea M.

One growing problem in the U.S. is obesity. Statistics have been released showing that almost 2/3 of all Americans are significantly overweight and nearly half are obese. More attention is being focused on this problem and associated health problems, leading more and more people to seek different methods of achieving rapid weight loss. However, there are several unhealthy ways to achieve fast weight loss. A few methods of rapid weight loss are medically approved.

The first step to safely beginning a program of rapid weight loss is to pay a visit to one's family doctor. He will be aware of different products and procedures that are available to those who are significantly overweight to achieve fast weight loss without causing worse health problems in the process. Changes in diet and beginning a doctor approved exercise regimen will be important decisions to be made while talking with the doctor.

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.

One common misconception people have about dieting to achieve rapid weight loss is that they must starve themselves. This could not be further from the truth. Starvation diets can actually compound the problem of obesity and do more harm than good. If the body is deprived of food, it starts to produce hormones designed to take every available calorie and convert it to fat for storage until needed. The body will often break down muscle and other tissues for the protein needed to sustain major life systems while storing fat against possible long term need.

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. - 16004

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