Weight-Loss Programs Are More Effective With Dietary Counseling
One in every three adults in the United States is obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is a big number considering that there are plenty of weight-loss programs available out there. But not all these programs are that effective. A recent study proves that these weight-loss programs are more successful if dietary counseling is included. In fact, those people who are enrolled in weight-loss programs with dietary counseling can lose an additional of about six percent of body weight in a year. That is tantamount to about 10 to 15 pounds for most people.
A research team at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston studied data of almost 6,400 people who were enrolled in programs with dietary counseling and compared it to almost 5,500 people who were in weight-loss programs. They found out that the dieters have more successful weight loss over time if their programs included frequent dietary counseling and calorie restrictions. And three years after starting the program, many people were able to maintain half the overall weight loss. But after about five years, all the dieters had regained the weight. This just goes to show that weight-loss entails a lifelong commitment.
Enrolling in a weight-loss program is the easiest part. The difficult thing is the aspect of mental preparation. If you are serious about losing weight, you should have the dedication and motivation for it. You just have to be prepared for the changes that will affect your life. This will most likely include your diet and exercise habits. If you are overweight or obese, you should be more conscious of what you put in your body. You know what kind of foods you should stay away from – those sweet, fatty and tempting foodstuffs. Those are loaded with unnecessary calories and would probably contribute to your predisposition to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. You should only consume healthy foods that are high in fiber and vitamins and minerals. If you want, you can visit a nutritionist and ask for the appropriate diet for you. And if you want to lose weight more effectively, you can add some natural weight loss supplements to your diet. Also consult with a doctor if you plan to do so.
Another part of the lifestyle change should involve your exercise regimen. You should incorporate a regular exercise habit in your daily routine. You can begin with moderate walks around the park for about 30 minutes or so. Or if you prefer a more challenging workout, you can sign up in your local gym and hire a personal trainer who could personalize a perfect workout for you.
Losing weight is easy as long as you improve your diet and exercise habits. And once you have lost the excess weight, you have to maintain your current lifestyle so you would not revert back to your old weight. Just continue to eat a healthy and balanced diet and avoid being a “couch potato”.
