Leading Options for Weight Loss

What is the best method for weight loss?

With more than two-thirds of the U.S population overweight or obese, weight loss is a common topic of discussion. There are virtually thousands of different weight loss options to choose from. And from dietary fads to gym memberships, many people who struggle with obesity have in fact tried a collection of these programs in an effort to lose weight.

At its core, successful weight loss is a matter of reducing calorie intake and increasing activity. Eat less; move more—it may sound simple, but losing weight isn’t always so straight forward. Successful weight loss programs incorporate permanent lifestyle changes and work to set you up for long-term success.

Knowing Your Options

The type of weight loss program you choose to participate in will determine the rate at which you may expect to lose weight, the overall success of the program, and your personal health and wellbeing during the weight loss process.

When considering weight loss programs, take the following factors into consideration:

• Is there a physician who is supervising the program?
• What kind of weight loss is typically achieved in this program, and how long does the program last?
• What makes this program different from your past attempts to lose weight?
• Will participating in this program increase your risk for any health complications?

Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Before committing yourself to any form of weight loss program, consider how the program will influence your health and always put your personal wellness first.

Here is a brief overview of the most common types of weight loss programs.

Conventional Diet and Exercise Programs

This includes the traditional diet plans that you may have tried in the past. There is no physician supervision involved, and the plans are generally self-regulated.

Conventional diet plans will often include elimination diets, in which you are encouraged to reduce your consumption of one or more types of foods to boost weight loss. When those foods are added back into the diet, weight gain is often inevitable.

Medical Weight Loss Programs

Obesity medicine programs take the core elements of a conventional weight loss plan but add physician supervision and support. These programs often use weight loss medications, which lead to temporary weight loss success. Once medication use is stopped, however, weight regain is common.

Medical weight loss programs offer physician supervision and are typically highly structured, making them more successful than conventional programs on average.

Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery is the most successful method of weight loss available. Most weight loss procedures are minimally invasive, which reduces much of the risk typically associated with surgery. Weight loss surgery encourages weight loss by making permanent or semi-permanent changes to the stomach and digestive tract, helping you to feel hungry less often so you eat less and lose weight.

For those who have tried losing weight in the past through conventional or medical weight loss programs, but still struggle with obesity, weight loss surgery is often recommended as the best option