Here’s hope for all those who feel that they need to lose a lot of weight for their diet to be successful. According to a new report, this does not have to be true. Even if a moderately obese person loses around two to five kg, he can consider it a successful experiment in weight loss. So if you are on a diet such as the low-fat, low-carbohydrate or Mediterranean and lose a few kg, consider your efforts successful. Apart from the amount of pounds lost, you should consider factor such as the drop in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This helps you lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Weight loss should be seen as one of the many benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle that also enables one to cut out the risks of diabetes, stroke, cancer and many other ailments. Don’t fall for fad diets that want you to eat food of a particular color and eschew a lot many other food types. Do not take weight loss pills as these can damage the cardiovascular system. If you really wish to lose weight fast then the safest and simplest way is to eat less and burn more calories. Done within limits this is guaranteed to make you shed a few pounds. Of course, this cannot be done for a long period. It’s a short term exercise. So, focus on improving overall health instead of focusing totally on a slimmer waist and don’t get taken in by so-called weight loss experts who advise you to stop cardiovascular exercises as these can make you eat more.

There are always two ways to accomplish a target; a long arduous way that is usually the right way and a short cut that more often than not yields temporary results. Perhaps of all human endeavors this is most relevant when we talk of man’s eternal battle with his bulge.

As P.T Barnum said – “There’s a sucker born every minute and there are two to take him”. Applied to the endeavor of weight loss it means that for every person trying to lose weight there are two people out there trying to sell him a weight-loss or fat burn pill. What’s more these spin meisters will shove some quasi scientific jargon in your face and use Latin instead of simple English words to describe a condition, which they will exaggerate ten fold.

Companies selling fat burners feature models claiming that it’s the capsule that they pop that has given them the shape; even though your better sense screams inside you that this is simply not true you reason against reason. The chimera of a toned tummy appears within grasp and you reach for your wallet. You suspend common sense and believe what the ad says about proper nutrition and exercise not being enough to make you lose fat because your cortisol levels are too high!! You simply have to take their miracle pill if you wish to lose flab in this lifetime.

Another trick that these vendors use is that they invoke respectable studies to back their product but do not mention if their pills have the “active ingredient” studied in the research in the same proportion as in the study. Often, they try to hide behind the “proprietary medicine” façade. Also, it is not uncommon to have vendors push research carried out on rodents as proof that the ingredient they are selling actually works. Without prior research into the effects of a drug on humans and in the absence of FDA approval, consuming any such drug can be detrimental to your health. Know that testimonials do not count for much in most cases, do your own research before taking the plunge with any pill. Of course, the best thing to do would be to not take the plunge at all.

The ads and claims made by most fat burner capsule makers are blatantly misleading and false. In fact several of these companies are facing lawsuits from individuals as well as the Federal Trade Commission for intentional falsifying of information and make wrong claims about their products. All so-called fat burners are either appetite suppressants or work to increase the metabolic rate. However, the effect of such drugs is minuscule and the amount of calorie burning that they actually offer can be achieved in a healthier way by a number of other activities such as a brisk ten minute walk, taking the stairs to climb to the fourth floor, a little aerobics, etc.

Then why are we so ready to turn ourselves into couch-attached pill popping wastrels. Because we fall prey to clever marketing and we can get lazy. Pills cannot replace activity, loss of activity leads to serious muscle atrophy that cannot be corrected by popping pills.

If at all you do take these fat fighting pills make sure to check for information on contraindications and safety information. Often, such drugs with stimulants are not recommended for those with a heart condition and for expectant mothers. Diabetes and high blood pressure are other conditions in which consuming such medication may lead to complications.

The most popular miracle in a capsule for the past few years was Ephedra. It was used by a large number of college athletes and people wanting to get slim. The FDA classified Ephedra as a dietary supplement that was “presumed safe”. However, an increased number of cases filed by citizens against the vendors peddling ephedra finally led the FDA to ban the herb. Use of ephedra led to several cases of myocardial infarctions, seizures, strokes, and death.

There is a serious problem of regulating the proliferation of diet pills because they are not required by law to be tested by the FDA. FDA’s actions are corrective instead of pre-emptive, which means that a fat burning pill can be bought over-the-counter or as a prescription drug and continue to be sold till evidence against it comes to the fore and the people raise their voice. This can take years and in the meantime many lives can be damaged by these untested drugs.

As it is these drugs are risky, things can get worse for people who try to speed up their weight loss program by overdosing on these drugs. An overdose can result in convulsions, hallucinations, breathing problems and death. It is just not possible that these drugs that interfere with the body’s metabolism and restrict its ability to absorb fat, give a false feeling of satiety, and reduce weight by eliminating water can ever be helpful in the long term.

If you are taking diet pills and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, stop taking these pills immediately. Anxiety, insomnia, tightness in the chest, dizziness, irritability, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms you should be wary of. Often, people who take to these pills have problems with their self esteem and without knowing they get emotionally dependent on these pills. When one pill does not work to their satisfaction they hop on to another pill, it is important that these pill hoppers ditch this ride to nowhere and try to lose weight the honest way.

Healthy way to lose weight.

Our eating habits are strongly influenced by the emotions we feel. Our thoughts and will power play a significant role in deciding the amount we eat as well as the success and failure of our dieting expeditions.

Here’s how emotions affect our hunger pangs –

* Anger, depression, anxiety, boredom, and loneliness are triggers for reaching out to the cookie jar.

* You may wish to dull the pain of a confrontation or wash away the memories of being put down by your boss with a jumbo milk shake.

* Emotional hunger also manifests itself when you take food to overcome the anxieties of a close relationship and to avoid thoughts of rejection.

* If self-doubts plague you and you eat to push them down then you are a victim of your moods that push you to eat in excess.

* You may be using food to fill the gaps caused by the unfulfillment of some basic needs such as trust and a sense of belonging in a relationship.

* Often deprivations and hardships experienced as a child are strong triggers to an uncontrolled eating episode.

* You can also view eating as a means of asserting yourself. Nobody tells YOU what to eat!

* You may also take recourse to eating in order to avoid a challenging situation; either at home or at work.

In order to get the most out of your body from a diet you need to first get the most out of your mind. This is how you do it.

Start with a positive attitude. It has a lot to do with the final outcome, more so than the popularity of the health club, the drive of your trainer, and any miracle foods that you may be banking on. Do not whinge or rationalize lapses in your commitment. It will only distance you from your objective. If you have it in your head to do what it takes to achieve success, you will outdo yourself and achieve superlative results regardless of any shortcomings in genes or resources.

Plan for the long term. Treat getting into shape as an event forever and not just a temporary activity to lose a few inches. Equate wellness with a healthy lifestyle. If it involves making some tough decisions then please take those tough decisions. These will most probably be about your self-control, eating habits, and exercise routines.

Be practical and push yourself to achieve those practical aims. Do not start something that you may not be able to finish. Follow through on your decisions. If you become a member of a health club then do go there every day. Complete the entire course of a diet or an exercise plan; do not give up mid way.

There is never a “best moment” to start exercising. The best time is NOW. Do not procrastinate. You have to will yourself to achieve what you wish. Things “hardly” attained are better retained and you owe this not only to yourself but also to your loved ones. Take control of the situation and do not make excuses or shift blame for never being able to get started. Get mentally prepared for some tiredness and inconvenience. The soreness factor is largely a function of your own perception.

Accentuate the positive and focus on what you are gaining. Giving up those cheese and chocolate cakes is actually adding years to your life.

Remember that a target, any target is achieved by focusing on the final deliverable at all times. It is impossible to stay highly motivated all the times and the process will appear tedious at times but do not yield to the temporary relaxations. You do not have forever to get started. Work on it from now and enjoy the fruits forever.

Denizens of celebland are under ever increasing pressure to look good and keep fit. Well, at least, what they or their fitness gurus consider is “fit”. Often mortals like us may recoil at their definitions of “good looks” and “fitness” but that does not hinder our fascination with these paragons of ethereal beauty. It also has something to do with the bizarre extent to which the celebs will go to; their determination and often their naiveté a source of inspiration for some and amusement for others.

Celebrities are always stressed to maintain their brand image and in an age where image is everything, a body-image counts for a lot, a lot of dollars that is. The only reason they will endure fat is if its making them money, otherwise it’s off with the fat!

Here’s a look at what some of our favorite celebrities do to maintain their figures

Julia Roberts, she of the million watt smile, is for many the epitome of the yummy mummy. This 40 plus lady is a mother of three and one of the most in-demand actresses in Hollywood. At 5’9” and a slender frame, Julia by her own admission is not a diet control freak, rather she is one who “eats like a cow and could eat all day”. However, she does have a personal trainer who performs the very important job of keeping “sinful foods” out of Julia’s fridge. Julia trusts BOSU for keeping her butt firm. BOSU, by the way, stands for Both Sides Up. It’s a fitness board cum exercise board. Julia follows the Perricone Prescription diet that stresses protein and prohibits carrots, bananas, watermelon, flour, raisins and corn.

Jessica Simpson, the one whose curves run endlessly but her acting abilities run the gamut from A to B, has managed to achieve what all women hope for. She has managed to lose weight without losing her curves. Jessica had earlier tried the South Beach Diet but this time round it was the 5 Factor Diet, which she decided to favor. Jessica had to make some tough decisions like foregoing the bread baskets bought to the breakfast table and refusing free desserts bought to her table. She had to make do with rudimentary food items like grilled chicken, seared fish, broccoli and asparagus. Apparently Jessica couldn’t sum up the will to do all this alone and so she had her personal trainer stay with her for three months so he could do the ordering at food time.

Janet Jackson, she who gave the English language a new phrase – wardrobe malfunction, went into a self-imposed hibernation after the infamous episode. During the period her weight increased to 180 pounds. However, Janet came back in shape by following what is now known as Janet Jackson diet. In a period of four months Janet lost around 60 pounds and her astonishing weight loss has given her the idea for a new weight loss book and video. Janet ate four to five portions of gourmet food especially thought out for her. She managed to maintain the required ratio of calorie deficiency by going on an only-liquid diet for some time and following a rigorous exercise regimen that included reverse lunges, good mornings, leg presses, push ups triceps super sets, later at raises, kick boxing, basket ball, etc.

The above mentioned celebs followed what the rest of us can identify with if we tried a little hard. However, there are others whose dieting regimens and ideas make us doubt their sanity and their gullibility in giving into these diets. Generally, most fad diets are exercises in silliness with quick results and quicker weight gains, however there are some diet ideas that truly take the cake or make that a wheat-bran cake with skimmed milk.

One would have to place the baby food diet at the very top of the list of bizarre diets. Top marquee names such as ReeseWitherspoon and Jennifer Aniston are devoted to this outlandish diet wherein you substitute good wholesome food or whatever else that you are eating with baby food. You can’t think of a more childish way to get malnourished. It’s as gimmicky as it can get. Feeding adults with a balanced diet, balanced for babies that is.

A great diet for those who are fat and fans of maple syrup. Beyonce has shown the way with the maple syrup diet albeit at a great risk to her body’s balance of potassium, sodium, and other vital elements. You cannot beat the maple syrup diet for simplicity. Beyonce apparently lived on maple syrup, water, and cayenne pepper for 14 straight days. She ended up losing around 13 kg or 2 stones for her role in Dreamgirls.

Another silly diet with a silly name – the one-hour TV diet has its own set of votaries including Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Aniston; however the most famous would have to be Jordan who lost around 2 stones of fat post delivery. The crux of the diet is that you cannot watch more than one hour of TV in a day.

Perhaps the most cruel and tortuous of all diets, this one has been famously endured by Geri Halliwell. Geri took vitamin injections to keep her weight down after her other attempts including the Atkins diet had failed. A desirable or perhaps not-so-desirable side effect of her vitamin shots was that Geri felt hornier than normal most of the time. At the height of her fame she was surviving on half a plate of noodles and some boiled carrots.

Emotional eating contributes to many of our weight loss challenges.  Shift the emotions you have with food to relationships, where it belongs. (5:45)

Eating chocolates is normally my idea of a good Valentine’s Day, however this year I’m still sticking to the New Year’s diet. So instead I’ll be at the gym. Here’s a video workout for your Valentine’s Day.

Here’s a diet that you haven’t tried. It’s a weight loss plan with the catchy slogan, “When it’s in you get thin.” (1:42)

For those amongst us who are obese and have not succeeded in their efforts in regulating their weight through diet and exercise, bariatric surgery is often the last recourse. The most common type of bariatric surgery is gastric bypass; it is considered safer than other weight-loss surgery and it has fewer post-operative complications. You need to educate yourself on the procedure before you decide to go with it.

You may want to undergo gastric bypass surgery if your BMI is 40 or higher or between 35 to 39.9 and you are facing obesity-related issues like diabetes and osteoarthritis.

Gastric bypass on its own does not enable a permanent weight loss solution; post surgery you have to be committed to make certain lifestyle changes. These include changes in eating habits, refraining from liquor and nicotine products, and following an exercise plan. Candidates for a gastric bypass surgery are screened by physicians, dieticians, surgeons, and psychologists to check for psychological and medical readiness.

A gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) entails physically separating a part of the stomach from the rest of the stomach and attaching it to the small intestine. The separated portion is the size of a small pouch and it can hold up to an ounce of food. A gastric bypass limits an individual’s ability to absorb calories. The stomach remains healthy and continues to secrete gastric juices that mix with the food in the small intestine.

A gastric bypass can also be performed as a laparoscopic surgery. A laparoscopic gastric bypass requires a shorter stay in the hospital as compared to an “open” gastric bypass, the recovery period is shorter and there are fewer wound-related complications.

A feeling of coldness, body aches, tiredness, hair loss, and dry skin are some of the reactions that occur after a gastric bypass. Many obesity-related problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.

Risks associated with gastric bypass surgery include blood clots in the legs, pneumonia, narrowing of the opening between the small intestine and the stomach, and in some cases even death.

Other weight-loss surgery options include adjustable gastric banding, vertical banded gastroplasty, and biliopancreatic diversion. Check out this video on gastric bypass.

Obesity is now the largest social issue faced by the US population, more so than drugs, smoking, and other issues. It places an enormous strain on the healthcare system, is difficult to manage because it is highly lifestyle related, lives are at risk and there is no effective preventive setup.

1. The obesity numbers are startling – 50% non-Hispanic black women, 15% of the children in the age of 6-19, and an amazing 31% of American adults are obese. The figure for children is the most disturbing; the numbers have more than tripled since 1980. Maximum obesity is to be found in the age-group 50-59 years; ironically an age when the body’s natural defenses are deteriorating and obesity can open the doors to diseases like the dreaded diabetes and hypertension.

2. A study of behavioral risk factors shows that those with less education, i.e. up to high school made up 27.4% of the obese sample as against those with college education and higher who were around 15.7% of the obese population studied. Blacks and Hispanic communities have maximum cases of obese individuals. The above two facts imply that obesity has economic implications and the poor are more likely to suffer from what could be considered a rich man’s disease.

3. The East South Central (Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee) region of the US is the most obese region in the US; conversely the New England Region (Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont) is the least obese one.

4. Obesity is a cost to the society; annual costs related to obesity are in the region of $130 billion with more than half being direct costs such as visits to doctors, medications, and treatment for conditions such as hypertension, heart problems, and diabetes. Indirect costs include lost working hours and work stalled because of people unable to work due to illness or disability

5. Type 2 Diabetes and Osteoarthritis are two obesity-related conditions that are a major cost burden to society and the health industry. The total cost - direct and indirect – because of type 2 diabetes is more than $100 billion while it’s around $25 billion due to osteoarthritis.

6. The list of obesity-related ailments is a long one and obese Americans are at risk from Congestive heart failure, Angina pectoris, Cholecystitis, Cholelithiasis, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Fatty liver disease, Sleep apnea and other respiratory problems, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Fertility complications, Pregnancy complications, Psychological disorders, Uric acid nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), Stress urinary incontinence, Cancer of the kidney, endometrium, breast, colon and rectum, esophagus, prostate and gall bladder, Death.

7. Surgical procedures that obese people undergo are more often than not traumatic experiences. Complications are not uncommon, ruptured blood vessels in the lungs, leaking and bleeding of the stomach and intestines, infections of the lungs, blood clotting in veins and infections of the small intestines are some of the complications that can arise.

8. Surgery for obesity results in a follow-up surgery for more than 20% of the patients for corrections to remove obstructive complications such as abdominal hernias; gallstones occur in almost a third of the patients who lose weight quickly. Nutrition deficiencies, anemia, and osteoporosis can happen due to long-term loss of absorptive function. One in two hundred cases can result in death.