Weight loss program have become an integral part of our society – just check out the advertisements pouncing upon our eyes everyday about how slim is sexy, or something of that sort. That is not to be decried, though. A lifestyle where being slim is, for the most part, being healthy, is supported by numerous scientific studies. Not being overweight or obese significantly reduces the risk of getting a variety of potentially fatal diseases in one’s lifetime, like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and many types of cancers. Being slim also improves bodily self-image for many, makes movement easier, and prevents too much strain to joints caused by the extra weight.
Many findings show that about one-third of the world’s population is considered overweight or obese. Many who are aware of it, thus, contemplate finding a suitable weight loss program in the future. While there are plenty of approaches in order to lose weight, there are many factors that every prospect must first consider before proceeding to a specific program.
First, one must ask, “Is it really necessary to lose weight?” That can be measured, by trying to determine the BMI (Body Mass Index), which could be computed using a BMI calculator, a BMI chart, or through this formula:
BMI = (weight)/(height)2,
where the weight is in kilograms and the height is in meters. A BMI of 25 to 30 qualifies as overweight; a BMI greater than 30 qualifies as obese. (The normal range is from 18.5-25.)
Once it is determined that weight loss is desirable, one can now proceed to ask, “What do I think of my body?” There should be a right mindset to follow a weight loss program – while losing weight is desirable, one should be on guard about losing more weight than it is deemed necessary to maintain health. The person losing weight should also commit herself to her goal of reaching the right weight throughout the program. It needs plenty of will to do this: first, one should be disciplined enough to stick to a schedule of meals, exercises, because the mind should be prepared to give up activities that would get in the way of the program, like excessive snacking, eating some foods, and slackness. Also, one should rid oneself of all past misconceptions about weight loss, like an unjustified bias against all fat-free foods or sugars (because not all fat-free foods or sugars are bad; some are good; what has to be found out is which ones are good and which ones are not.)
Given all the information obtained by initial assessment of one’s weight, it is now time to research for a weight loss program that fits your needs. There are plenty of programs specifically tailored for one’s preferences and specifications: the most common ones include (1) medically supervised programs, which are done under the guidance of a physician; (2) commercially supervised programs, run by private firms and offer plenty of versatility although it can get expensive versatility; (3) non-clinical or self-help, usually in the form of diets and/or supplements; (4) online programs, which come in the form of regular monitoring through e-mails and online advice, and (5) programs in support groups, like Overeats Anonymous, attendance of which provides an emotional supplement to cope with an ongoing weight loss program.
In our journey to shedding those extra pounds off, these programs are parcel of our daily living to attain a healthy lifestyle. Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-Bound) goals regarding your health, then choose the program which you think is best for you, then commit yourself to it. After all, it’s your weight that these programs are looking at.
For more weight loss programs read natural weight loss.
(c) 2011 F. Kaizen. All rights reserved.