But this can cause problems because :-
It does not encourage the dieter to change their eating habits at every meal or in the long term.
It can often lead to loss of muscle instead of fat.
Once normal eating patterns resume the weight may be put back on again.
It can be very expensive.
But it is still a very common way of losing extra body fat.
Depending on the weight and height of a person a diet providing 4200 – 6700 kJ is usually recommended and in the following proportions: 60% carbohydrates, 30% fat and 10% protein.
Research has shown that people who follow a low calorie diet lose 10% of the initial weight in 20 weeks, but without further treatment people usually regain 1/3 of the weight in the following year.
EXERCISE
Caloric restriction alone will not produce long-term weight loss, but with the use of exercise weight may stay off for longer.
Exercising uses more energy, which promotes weight and generally makes the person feel better.
Weight loss groups are often successful and help many people who find it difficult to lose weight alone.
A target of how much they aim to weigh is set and once the target is reached, people should stay in contact and try to maintain their new, healthier eating habits.
MEDICINES
Weight loss medicines are only appropriate for extremely obese people.
Amphetamine drugs used to be prescribed to combat obesity, but their well-documented side effects, including insomnia, anxiety and tolerance (the need to take higher and higher doses to continue to produce the same effect), made them less popular in the 1970s.
A new medication, sibutramine (sold under the brand name Meridia) was approved for weight loss and the maintenance of weight loos in 1997.
Over a six month period, weight loos medicines may result in an approximately 10% body weight reduction.
Weight loss slows or stops after the first six months, but discontinuing the medication usually causes weight regain.
The continued use of medications keeps most of the weight from returning for two years.
OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS
Replace saturated fat with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat.
Grill, poach or microwave food instead of frying.
Cut down on sugary foods.
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Avoid crash diets.
