If you want to lose weight, selecting the right weight loss programme is absolutely essential to your success. There are a seemingly unlimited number of weight loss programmes available on the market today so how can you decide which one is right for you? This is a question I see a lot from both men and women looking for the right weight loss programme to follow. It’s a confusing situation to be in I can imagine; wanting to lose weight but not knowing which programme best serves your needs. What do you do?
Well, the purpose of this article is to discuss various aspects and concepts surrounding weight loss programmes in hopes that it will help you be able to select the appropriate programme for you.
What is the best weight loss programme? The best weight loss programme is that which is easily affordable, rational and flexible – a well-organised programme which you would like to stick with.
Weight Loss Programme
What is the mechanism of weight loss? In theory the mechanism of weight loss is very simple. Our overall body weight is determined by the calories we consume and the calories we burned. You will gain weight if you consume more calories than you burned. Similarly you lose weight if you consume fewer calories and burned more calories.
All is not that simple! I know many people who are exercising daily and eating well but still they complain that they are not losing any weight. That’s why you have to follow the best weight loss programme for you.
Types of weight loss programme
Broadly speaking there are three types of bodybuilding programmes.
- Do-it-yourself weight loss programmes: This type of weight loss programme is preferred by the busy people, who have very little time to go to the gym or clinic. This type of programme may be done at home alone or with the help of someone. They rely heavily on the books, videos and other such materials for the guidance.
- Non-clinical weight loss programmes: This type of weight loss programme is mostly professionally managed. You have to go to their premises for daily or thrice in a week for the consultation. They also use different weight loss and diet books. They will monitor your weight loss and give you counselling regarding your eating habit and your diet.
- Clinical weight loss programmes: This type of weight loss programme is conducted mostly in hospitals or other health care units. This programme is recommended to very overweight people. The weight loss is monitor by the nurses, physicians, psychologist and the dietitians.
Here are some examples of weight loss programmes:
Low Fat Diet
The low fat weight loss programme recommends a diet based on low fat or no fat foods. Reducing fat intake and regular exercise results in long-lasting weight loss. This programme can be very effective if produced and supervised by an expert. Many low fat programmes found on the market reduce fat consumption too much and it can become harmful for your health. A very high consumption of carbs is also not good, which is often recommended by some programmes. This diet is one of the best ways to lose weight, but it is important they are described in the correct manner.
High Protein Diet
This weight loss programme is based on the consumption of high protein and low carb foods. Although it leads to reasonably rapid weight loss, it is often NOT an effective diet in the long run. It encourages the consumption of saturated fats and this increases the risk of heart diseases. It can also cause damage to your kidneys, as in the absence of enough carbs, for the rapid burning of fatty acids the kidneys have to work overtime.
Fixed Menu
This type of weight loss programme indicates you apply a fixed menu diet. You get a list of what you have to eat every day. It is easy to follow because you don’t need to keep the calorie count. Its efficiency and healthiness can vary greatly.
Points Programme
This weight loss programme is created by Weight Watchers, a company offering different dieting products and services for weight loss. The points system consists in quantifying the caloric intake and the energy expenditure. Foods are assigned a specific number of points and exercises are assigned a negative number of points. Based on their current weight and weight loss goals, programme participants are allocated a certain number of points every week. Therefore, participants are allowed to eat any type of food, but they must not exceed their total point value that week. This is an easy to follow programme, mainly because of the psychological effect is has on the participant.
Food Optimising
This weight loss programme is created by Slimming World, a British company which runs weight loss classes across the UK. During classes members are weighed and the loss or gain is shared with the others; they also share experiences, tips, ask for advice, etc
. How can you tell if your weight loss programme promotes healthy weight loss? I recommend looking at the following aspects.
- Any dietary recommendations should not promote restriction of calories. Restriction of calories results in starvation causing the body to attack its muscle stores. When this occurs your body will react by giving you irresistible cravings and you will end up gaining the weight right back.
- Eat real food! Many programmes contain pre-made meals, bars, or supplements. Often times these contain preservatives, artificial ingredients, or processed foods. These typically act as hormone disruptors in the body and can actually promote weight gain as well as other ailments including cancer and diabetes.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The amount of propaganda for weight loss programmes is absurd. The truth is lifestyle is the number one factor that determines your overall health and your ability to lose weight.
- Find a programme that takes the previous points into consideration and is supervised by a doctor, chiropractor, or nutritionist. Another issue I see with weight loss programmes is that many programmes certify “coaches” through a variety of short educational courses. I went to school for more than 7 years. Decide who you really want to be helping you become healthier.
