Weight Management 101

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the past two decades have shown that approximately 35% of women are obese and 31% of men ages 20 and older are considered obese. Those figures are about 30% and 25% higher than in the year 1980.

How come it's so hard to succeed and lose weight? How come it's so easy to fall back and gain all of the weight you lost? The first thing that you must remember is that all people aren't the same, what may work for you may not work for another. What "diet program" works for you may not work for your spouse or best friend. We all have different bodies and needs. There, are, however some key factors that you should keep in mind, no matter what "diet program" you are on in order to manage your weight … successfully.

Think logically and learn about your body: Each body is different. We all have different needs and need different things to keep us healthy. Your best bet is to head to your doctor and ask what they think; after all, they know your body! Have your doctor give you a goal weight that he/she wants you to achieve and try to get there! You must remember that losing weight won't happen overnight; it's better for it to come off slowly.

Pick your plan and be sensible: Maybe you're doing a program such as Weight Watchers of Jenny Craig; maybe you're trying to lose weight on your own. Whatever way you're doing it, be sensible. Many people trying to lose weight think they need to cut out all fat from their diets, this isn't the case. In order to lose weight in a healthy way, you should make sure to consume food on a daily basis from each food group. Eat in moderation, watch the second helpings, but be sure to get enough nutrients in.

Exercise: Eating less and losing weight alone is not the healthy way to go about your "diet;" you need to exercise. Regular exercise (preferably 30 minutes a day) will not only burn calories, but it'll prove to lead to a healthy you in the end. Please be sure to consult your doctor before you do any kind of strenuous exercise; what may be fine for one person, may harm your body.

The final words: The main thing that you need to keep in mind through this whole lifestyle change is exactly that, it's a lifestyle change. People get discouraged after they don't lose weight in a week or two, they don't realize that's very unhealthy. Leading a healthier lifestyle will take a lifetime, and it's something you should live daily, not just when you want to lose a few pounds. The other main key is to consult your doctor or a nutritional specialist before you proceed with any drastic measures; you don't want to harm your body; after all, it has to last your lifetime!

Good luck!