Weight loss typically requires a reduction in calorie consumption. Many try to lose weight by dieting and exercising to consume fewer calories and burn others off. There are various reasons why weight loss may be viewed as important. For some people, weight loss is a goal intended to boost self-esteem and create a more attractive appearance. For others, weight loss may be necessary to ensure good health. Types
There are two types of weight loss: intentional and unintentional. When a person intentionally loses weight, he typically plans a diet and/or exercise program designed to lose a certain amount of pounds over a set period of time. At other times, weight loss may be unintentional, such as if a person is suffering from an untreated or poorly managed condition, such as diabetes. Stress can cause a person to lose weight unintentionally, as he may feel less interested in eating and unintentionally consume far fewer calories than his body needs.
Benefits
For an overweight person, losing weight can provide many benefits. In addition to looking and feeling better, a person who loses extra pounds may actually add years to her life. There are many conditions that can be induced or exacerbated by extra weight, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and certain types of cancers.
For example, studies have shown that obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure and leads to increased amounts of triglycerides and harmful cholesterol in the body. In turn, this increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Extra body fat, particularly that around the abdomen, may lead to inflammation of blood vessels, increasing heart disease risk. The reason for the link between certain cancers and obesity is not known for sure, but it may be due to hormones released by fat cells that adversely affect cell growth. It may also be due to poor eating habits and too little physical activity.
Time Frame
If you are trying to lose weight, you can subtract 3500 calories as your goal for losing 1 lb. in 10 days. Since 3500 calories equals 1 lb., cutting 350 daily calories from your diet, over a 10-day period, would cause you to lose 1 lb. of weight. Alternatively, you could cut 500 calories per day, over a period of 7 days, to lose one 1 lb. per week. However, cutting 350 calories daily may be easier. To start, figure out how many calories you need each day by multiplying your body weight by 10. You may need less or more, depending on your health and level of physical activity. Then reduce this amount by 350 calories if you're following the 10-day method or 500 calories for the 7-day method.
Warning
Although you may want to shed extra pounds as quickly as possible, it's important to avoid crash diets, most diet pills, fad diets, long-term or frequent fasting and other extreme weight loss measures. These things can put a person at risk for health issues, even taxing the vital organs.For example, some people use laxatives while dieting, which can lead to kidney problems, dehydration, intestinal damage and even heart problems.
A better way to lose weight is to create a diet that includes enough healthy foods to maintain body function while still shedding pounds. It's always best to speak to a doctor or nutritionist for help with developing a weight loss plan ConsiderationsExercise should play a key role in weight loss plans. Besides burning calories through physical activity, exercise increases resting metabolism, which can help the body to burn more calories while doing ordinary things, like sitting or sleeping. It can also increase your energy level, which may help you to choose physical activity, such as playing a sport or walking, instead of pursing sedentary activities, like watching TV. Even adding just 30 minutes of exercise four or five times per week could boost weight loss.
RESSOURCE - Weight control information on the USDA website
