5 Shocking Reasons You Are Gaining Weight

It's no rocket science that a diet full of fried foods, huge portions, tasty desserts, alcohol, and sugary soft drinks will lead to weight gain. And there's little question why the pounds pile up when you take in more calories than you burn it out by way of physical activity. How does one explain weight gain when one's lifestyle includes regular exercise and a healthy diet that is controlled in calories? Gaining weight is absolutely maddening, especially when you really don't understand why the needle on the scale keeps going up.

Here are 5 factors that can cause the pounds to pile up despite a good lifestyle.

1. Lack of sleep: The body needs proper rest otherwise the physiological stress results in the biochemical process of fats being stored. When one is tired stress is not handled properly and one can actually reach for food to cope with the stress. Late-night snacking is another attempt people try to fall back to sleep and this piles on more calories. Symptoms that you may not be getting enough rest include fatigue, low energy levels, nodding off easily, and feeling irritable.
   Strive to get eight hours of sleep each night.
2. Stress: Stress helps us to move forward and cope with life's demands but unfortunately it causes changes in mood and emotions. Stress triggers a biochemical process where the body decided to go into a survival mode. Our bodies store fuel, slow down metabolism, and dump out chemicals [cortisol, leptin, and other hormones] which are more likely to cause abdominal obesity. Many people reach for food to cope with stress. Stress eaters tend to prefer high-carbohydrate foods because these foods trigger an increase in the brain chemical serotonin, which has a calming effect. Relaxation techniques as well as exercise, which also burns calories and provides other health benefits are the need of the hour when in stress.
3. Medications: Prescription medications used to treat depression, mood disorders, hypertension, diabetes, seizures and migraines can actually lead to increments in body weight from few to 10 pounds per month. Steroids, HRT and Oral contraceptives can also lead to weight gain. These drugs work in various ways to increase weight from increasing appetite, altering the way fat is stored, to how insulin levels change. Despite medications one needs to watch what they are eating and be physically active to try to offset the effects of the medicines. If one suspects that the medications are causing weight gain they need to check with their respective doctors for an alternative.
4. Medical conditions: The most common medical condition associated with weight gain is hypothyroidism and a reduction in thyroid hormones can lead to decreased metabolism causing appetite loss and weight gain. Other rare diseases like Cushing's disease are also associated with weight gain.
5. Menopause: Women are prone to putting on weight at or after menopause because menopause slows down the body's metabolism and at the same time hormonal changes can trigger, depression, and poor sleep. Estrogen generally deposits body fat in the hips and thighs in women and after menopause with a reduction in Estrogen the fat tends to accumulate around the middle (like in men) and is sometimes called MENOPOT! Weight lifting and strength training to increase the amount of lean body mass are the need of the hour. Exercise also helps offset bone loss that can come with menopause. A combination of exercise and a healthy, calorie-controlled diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is the answer to thwarting menopausal weight gain.

Weight Loss Tips: How Does the NutriSystem Diet Work?

The NutriSystem diet has been all over the television. There is even one spokeswoman who says that she has lost weight twice with the program. People have lost as few as thirty-five pounds and as much as 125 pounds with the program.

NutriSystem started off with most of its clients being women. Now, they offer a men's plan and a senior adult plan for both men and women. Their website also states that they have plans for vegetarian dieters and those suffering from Type II diabetes.

The Nutrisystem program is based wholly upon the glycemic index. The glycemic index corresponds with the affect foods have on blood sugar and insulin production. Some foods have a high glycemic index. When consumed they cause the body to secrete large amounts of insulin. The increased levels of insulin cause hunger more quickly after these foods are eaten. Foods with a lower glycemic index provide a more stable blood sugar and do not spike insulin levels. The result is a more even insulin production (no spikes) and more energy throughout the day. Insulin levels remain even and most people find themselves more satisfied with their meals and less hungry.

This is a meal delivery plan. Food provided by NutriSystem is shipped to your home every four weeks. The process used to package the foods means that they do not need to be refrigerated. Easy to follow instructions tell you how to prepare each dish.

The food consists of portions that are packaged to provide nutrients and low glycemic index foods. These are referred to as "good carbs" and they cause quick weight loss with almost no effort. The commercials advertise that people in the plan say that the weight just melts off.

The Nutrisystem plan urges participants to add fruits, salads, low fat milk and dairy to each meal. The primary focus of the diet is to change the carbohydrates that we eat. Protein is protein, but carbs are not. In fact, as discussed above, this is evidenced by the numbers reached through the glycemic index. Processed carbohydrates raise blood sugar, while those that are made of whole grains stabilize it.

The plan does not exclude exercise but it is designed to work without it. Exercise may improve the results of the program since they are already giving you foods that are optimal for you. Whether weight loss will increase with activity is unknown.

Having meals delivered is expensive, but you may qualify for a payment plan. If you choose this option you'll be spending a few hundred dollars a month for this program and the same for each additional family member on the program. If you want to spend that type of dough this program might be for you. The upside, NutriSystem does not require recording of meals and counting calories. You choose a meal, add healthy extras, and chow down.

The NutriSystem diet is one that has definitely produced results. Go ahead and explore the diet and then decide for yourself. With over 30 years in the weightloss industry, the company that markets this diet is known to be a genuine organization that is definitely not making its money by scamming people!

For fantastic offers CLICK HERE!

13 Good Things For Your Success With The Sonoma Diet

People are looking for more and more diets that will help them to achieve that weightloss that they are so desperate to achieve. In this regard they are falling prey to many cheap diet plans that only worsens their waistline! Through this blog I intend to highlight to people the diets that are known to work and their benefits.

Some of these diets are:

• The 5-Factor Diet.
• The Sonoma Diet.
• The South Beach Diet.
• Jillian Michaels Diet.

Today I will focus on the Sonoma Diet. The Sonoma Diet brings together the art and science of food and is unique in this aspect. The appreciation and enjoyment of flavorful meals makes for a healthy eating style that becomes second nature. Simple instructions for the amounts and combinations of food make the plate your guide — and it was all designed so that you can shed pounds safely and easily until you reach your target weight. The foods and recipes that will get you there have been carefully selected to make you healthier and happier as you lose the weight. The latest knowledge from the fast-evolving world of nutritional research is reflected in the food selection and meal preparations.

Star Sonoma Diet today and adopt a healthy lifestyle that focuses on these 13 good things:

1. Balance. It has nothing to do with low carb or low fat.
2. Whole grains. You’ll be eating bread and cereal from day one.
3. Power foods. Generous amounts of delicious, nutrient-rich foods help you lose weight.
4. Health. It’s based on the Mediterranean diet, which has helped protect southern Europeans from heart disease and other killers for centuries.
5. Pleasure. You’ll slow down to savor and enjoy your meals, Sonoma style.
6. Mouthwatering recipes. Straight from the culinary masters of California’s Sonoma County, these dishes are simple, elegant, and delicious.
7. Olive oil. This heart-healthy, nutrition-boosting, flavor-enhancing plant oil shatters the myth that dietary fat is evil.
8. Simplicity. You won’t count calories or anything else. We did all that for you.
9. Variety. You can pick and choose the foods you want each day from generous lists of meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, grains, and other food types.
10. Easy instructions. Just fill your plate or bowl according to the proportions outlined.
11. Fresh whole foods. The emphasis is on sun-drenched, flavor-packed, nutrient-rich treats like the ones from Sonoma’s farms and ranches.
12. Wine. Thank the people of the Mediterranean for showing us that a glass of wine at dinner enhances your heart health as well as your meal.
13. Satisfaction. The meals are complete and keep you satisfied.

Go The Sonoma way and never be disappointed!!

Does Homeopathy Help In Weightloss?

Homeopathy is one of the most popular alternative medications today. It has been an especially preferred remedy for children, who seem to suffer from many side effects when treated with regular medicines. More and more people choose to shift to homeopathy because it provides minimum medication with optimum results.

Does homeopathy work for weight loss?

Weight management is a very important aspect of today's human being given the fact that most lead a sedentary and highly stressful life. More and more people are eating alone rather than at a table with others and this compunds the problem of obesity. People often eat alone in front of the tv which means they eat more than they should or they rush a meal and then end up snacking too much. In this case, a homeopathy appetite suppression is exceptionally effective in fighting off craving from carbohydrates and sweets, curing ravenous hunger and generally cutting off unhealthy appetite. Usually homeopathy suppression pills would only be recommended for people more than 3 kilograms overweight.

A homeopathy appetite suppression treatment does not work alone. As with any weight management treatment, you need to include the other important aspects such as excercising, eating healthily and cutting down on snacking and drinking too much alcohol. Homeopathy appetite suppression treatments usually take the form of a pill or capsule which are basically several homeopathy medicines combined into one. The homeopathy treatment will bring about a loss of appetite which will help you control you food portions and stop you from overeating. It would be dangerous if this regime is followed for more than three months. Make sure you inform your GP before starting any complementary therapies such as this one so that he or she can keep up to date with your health.

Many people find that homeopathy appetite suppression pills work exceptionally well if you do not forget to drink a lot of water and pay close attention to what you are eating. Any food you eat should be healthy to ensure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals into your system and you should try and eat enough to maintain your health and your strength. Homeopathy can work amazingly well if you follow the treatment methods correctly and you will have lost any unwanted weight before you know it.

Shed Some Weight And Look Great This Summer!

In keeping with my trend of updating all interested readers on various new products in the weightloss industry I am writing today about a new product that has caught my radar's attention! Summer is just a couple of months away and undoubtedly you want to go out in the sun wearing a sexy swimwear and show off your body and the tan you will eventually acquire. Still, this is an option only for those who look good and have no reason to hide their bodies. If the heavy winter food and spring asthenia haven’t brought you down with depression, then you were certainly put off by a recent look into the mirror. It’s high time to lose that spare tire you are carrying around your waist and get in shape for the coming summer. It is not too late yet! Help is around the corner or should I say at the end of this post??

The best way to start when tackling the problem of shedding weight is by taking a good look at your diet. If you want to change anything about the way you look, this is and should remain your top priority. You are going to have to cut down on potatoes, pasta and bread. You are also going to skip chips, soda, fries and all sorts of fast food. Instead, you should rely on fruits and vegetables to keep hunger away. Keep fruits with you at all times and eat to your heart’s content. If you feel hungry and desperate for a snack, don’t buy a bag of chips or a hamburger. Instead eat a banana or a couple of apples.

The second part of your weight loss strategy should be exercising. It doesn’t matter if you feel all rusty after the long winter and it doesn’t matter if you are not in the mood. Get off the couch and exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Before you start growling, I’d like to point out that 30 minutes are by no means a sacrifice. If you can find a couple of hours to watch TV every day, then you can certainly find 30 minutes to exercise in order to stay in shape and healthy. The best way to exercise is to go to the gym. If you’re not comfortable with that, you should at least go jogging. It’s good for your heart and it helps you burn fat fast.

Another good way to shed weight is to use an efficient and safe weight loss system. The system that I was raving about earlier is the amazing ProShapeRX-O-Vital, the only weight loss solution that effectively and rationally combines pills, exercises and diet tips. This multi-dimensional approach helps you burn existing fat and preventing the accumulation of new fat from food. The unique database of dieting tips and recipes is also perfect for anybody interested in healthy eating. With the help of this system you will shed all unwanted weight just in time for beach parties.

Go ahead and get ready to LOOK AND FEEL GREAT!!

Breakthrough In Weightloss ?

Australian scientists claim that they have made a breakthrough discovery that may actually help people to reduce weight without having to cut down on calories! Researchers in Melbourne have discovered that they are actually able to speed up the metabolic processes in fat cells by manipulating these cells at an enzymatic level. After removing a particular enzyme scientists found out that these mice were able to eat the same amounts as other mice but were able to burn more calories and gain less weight. The breakthrough can help in the development of fat-burning drugs and also in diabetes management.

The researchers found out that mice in which the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE enzyme) was removed were on an average 20% lighter than normal mice and had upto 60% less body fat. By virtue of a faster metabolism they had less risk of getting diabetes because they were able to process sugars faster. Drugs that block the actions of ACE are already useful in combating high blood pressure and heart failure. This recent discovery could help in the development of a weightloss pill. What remains to be seen is their effectiveness in humans. This is because the currently used ACE inhibitors are not causing any weightloss even in high doses. Though the drugs are generally safe, doses required for weightloss might be harmful to the kidneys. Thus the promise that one will be able to eat normally and not gain weight will in allprobability be unfulfilled.

However there is scope for research in this area and there might be some success in the near future. Till such time the best action for weightloss should remain a healthy diet with increased physical activity with or without weightloss drugs.

Watch Out For Those Fad Diets!

In the quest for quick weightloss many people are fooled by high-pressure advertising claims for many 'fad diets.' It is indeed far easier to sell an idea based on what people actually love to hear and a vast majority of the people attempting weightloss do not want to hear facts based on the adage 'no pain, no gain.' Thus it comes as no surprise that natural weightloss remedies are less popular than fad diets that promise fast weightloss. And it is also no surprise that weightloss pills are more easy to market than promoting the idea of regular exercise because many of us do not want to get up and sweat it out!

What exactly is a fad diet? A fad diet is one that enjoys vast initial popularity before the craze fizzles out because people who fell for the marketing gimmick tried it out only to ditch it as there were no beneficial effects. Who is the winner? Of course the innovator because his or her coffers are bursting at the seams because of the massive initial sales thanks to some high-pressure advertising! Also note that just because a diet is a fad diet does not mean it is ineffective. There are fad diets that are actually effective too. How to identify an ineffective fad diet? An ineffective diet:

1. Promises a quick-fix solution.
2. Guarantees a massive weightloss.
3. Claims that no exercise is required.
4. Claims that sound too good to be true.
5. Eliminates one or more of the five major food groups.
6. Makes recommendations based on a single study or has no scientific backing.

Weightloss should always be a long-term goal and any person aspiring to achieve weightloss should concentrate on a balanced diet that includes carbohdrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Elimination (or increase) of any one can lead to dangerous consequences. A diet poor in carbohydrates leads to metabolic changes like Ketosis and can damage the kidneys. High-protein diets lead to calcium depletion and osteoporosis. High-fat diets lead to elevations in cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.

Healthy weightloss plans must include a permanent commitment on the part of the individual to change from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one, elimination of junk foods, nutritional counseling and exercises. The key to achieving and maintaining a good weightloss is a balanced diet with all essential food groups in adequate quantities, a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat dairy products and regular exercise. Eat everything in moderation and indulge in fresh products.

An Analysis Of Apple Cider Vinegar's Role In Health

Over centuries vinegar has been used for various purposes like killing weeds, making pickles, polishing armors, cleaning coffee makers, dressing salads and just about anything else! Vinegar has also been touted as a panacea for multiple ailments. Apple cider vinegar has won plaudits over the past few decades for being a health tonic and it is no surprise that both pharmacies and supermarkets stock it. While some health uses have scientific backing many have not been proven conclusively. Some small studies have shown promise for apple cider vinegar to be of benefit in the fight against obesity and diabetes.

Vinegar is derived from French and means actually sour wine. It is obtained by a process of fermentation where sugars in food are broken down by bacteria and yeast into alcohol first and then vinegar through what is commonly known as fermentation. Apple cider vinegar is obtained from fermenting pulverized apples. So what makes apple cider vinegar a popular health supplement. Here's an analysis of the benefits and risks associated with it and also a rundown on its use in weightloss.

Diabetes: Apple cider vinegar's (ACV) health claims have been best studied in diabetics. Two tablespoons of ACV before bedtime is proven to reduce early morning blood glucose levels by 4-6%.

High Cholesterol: A study in 2006 on rats showed that ACV can reduce high blood cholesterol though it is too early to gloat over its success as no study has been done in humans.

Blood pressure and heart: ACV has been shown to reduce high blood pressure in rats. A study done recently also showed that ACV and olive oil dressings on salads five to six times per week can improve the health of the heart.

Cancer: While lab studies have shown that vinegar can actually slow the growth of cancerous cells or even kill cancer cells actual epidemiological studies have been confusing. One study showed reduced incidence of esophageal cancer and another showed increased incidence of bladder cancer.

Weightloss: For centuries ACV has been contemplated for weightloss. White vinegar gives a sensation of fullness. A study has shown that people who ate bread with small amounts of vinegar felt more full and stayed off from food for longer periods.

All these studies, while promising are still in their infancy. Much larger studies are necessary to document the health benefits of ACV.

Dosage of ACV: Some people dilute two teaspoons in water or juice and have it daily. Another recommendation is 285 milligrams per day.

Risks associated with ACV: ACV can worsen or predispose people to reflux esophagitis or acid-peptic disease, interact with laxatives, diuretics, can cause low potassium levels and lower bone density, and can alter Insulin levels in diabetics because of its chromium content. Consult your doctor before beginning to use ACV.

Considering the various spurious ACV and ACV supplements available today, I would recommend my patients to exercise caution before using ACV. As a salad dressing you should be fine but if you want to take it daily as a health supplement consult your doctor. Early results from various studies are promising but a lot more research needs to be done on ACV or any vinegar for that matter.

Acupuncture For Weightloss - Does Acupuncture Work For Weightloss?

From times immemorial Acupuncture, which originated in China, has been a popular therapy across the world. The acupuncture process involves inserting needles at various points in the body, and is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine. The basics of weightloss under the therapy revolves around the release of vital energy known as chi, or Qi in Chinese.

Qi is the circulating life energy according to Chinese philosophy, thought to be inherent in all things. The Chinese theory believes that Qi flows through pathways, also known as meridians. There are 20 meridians in the body, out of which 12 are primary and related to specific organs or functions. The other 8 are called secondary meridians. Any imbalance in the flow of Qi through these meridians caused by a blockage within the body is considered to be the root cause of all disease and disorders, including obesity.

These meridians are used by acupuncture specialists to stimulate and restore normal flow and balance of Qi. This is the process that is used for treating all disease. Modern science, however, believes that acupuncture needles actually stimulate the release of endorphins, a naturally- occurring neurochemical that has analgesic properties. It is the excess availability of endorphins that gives a temporary sense of well-being.

How does acupuncture help achieve weightloss?
1. Acupuncture attempts to restrict appetite and food cravings.
2. Eliminates excess water from the body.
3. Stimulates the pituitary gland to burn extra fat.
An acupuncturist inserts five needles, four of which are targeted at specific organs: The kidneys, liver, lungs and the nervous system. The fifth one is simply inserted to calm an anxious patient. As per TCM theory, this releases the blocked energy and inhibits appetite and cravings for carbohydrates, helping in general detoxification.

American acupuncturists have developed a process of ear staples for weight loss. In this process, only the upper and lower part of each ear is stapled. This adapted method is less safe than the conventional method of inserting needles, because needles are removed after every sitting-- while the ear staples are left in the ears for several days. However traditional acupuncturists do not recommend this because the ear cartilage is a potential site for infection.

Acupuncture treatment for weight loss has been around for years, but there is no scientific proof of its efficacy besides the recently discovered release of endorphins. However, it is also not known to cause any harmful effects, as long as the needles are sterilized. There are no harmful effects from artificial weightloss drugs in acupuncture. In combination with a good dietary and exercise regime Acupuncture can be an alternative means at weightloss provided the acupuncturist is well qualified.

Vacations In India

Its been long time since I wrote a post entry!! I have been vacationing with the family in India and am hard-pressed for time!
I am enjoying my break and will be soon back to posting interesting articles on weightloss. So long then!

Simple Home Remedies For Weightloss

Obesity is multifactorial and even though genetics and environment have a major role to play ohne cannot ignore the fact that improper diets remain the cornerstone of obesity in many instances. Add to it an inactive lifestyle and you are asking for major problems.

A high amounts of calorie intake and lowered levels of energy expenditure are the direct causes of obesity. Holistic weightloss solutions thus need to address both these issues. Home remedies and herbal weightloss diets can play a major role in obesity management.

The majority of all problems arise due to the kind of lifestyle we lead today. Job pressures and long hours traveling to work leave very little spare time for preparing healthy meals. Simply “grabbing something on the way” to save time is more the rule than exception. This usually implies that you are probably eating something that is not healthy, although fast food chains are making efforts to improve the healthful quality of their food. It also means that you are not allowing your body and mind to concentrate on the process of eating. Therefore, the body cannot focus on the process of digestion. The result is improper absorption of the food that is consumed. This answers our first question about home remedies - Allow more time to cook friendly meals.

Asians have been using lime and honey in water as a natural weightloss remedy for ages. The concoction is a simple one. Add warm water to the juice of half a lime and a teaspoon of honey. This herbal home remedy for weight loss should be the first thing that you consume in the morning. Not only does it help in burning fat over time, it also helps cleanse the system. If you prefer a tangier drink, you can add more lime juice. You can also add pepper to taste. Make sure that you don’t increase the amount of honey or add salt to this mixture. The Western counterpart for this remedy is apple cider vinegar. Add some apple cider vinegar to warm water and some pure maple syrup for taste and bingo you have a good home remedy for weightloss.

Leaves of India plum have the same effect. Soak some leaves in water overnight and then drink the water after straining it in the morning on an empty stomach. Green tea's benefits are legendary. Green tea has the capability to increase the basal metabolism thus increasing energy expenditure and helping in weightloss. An apple and green tea in the morning provides enough oxidation and energy to replace one meal.

The myth is that carbohydrates = More calories. Only simple carbohydrates add credential to this myth. Complex carbohydrates with those containing fiber are part of any weightloss diet. Stick to the following basic guidelines while attempting to lose weight at home:

1. Eat slowly.
2. Consume only home-made foods.
3. Drink lots of water.
4. Keep sugar intake to the minimum.
5. Avoid fried foodstuffs.
6. Avoid 'junk food'
7. Avoid eating in between meals.
8. Make maximum utilization of home remedies.

Remember: Home remedies, diet, exercise and yoga are the cornerstone for keeping your weight under manageable limits failing which you need to have to seek the help of complicated surgeries and potentially harmful medications.

Surgery As A Means For Weightloss

The society that we are all part of has placed an enormous importance on physical beauty. Obesity is by no means a perfect health condition but the fact that society ostracizes people who are not slim. This results in psychological issues like low self esteem, depression and eating disorders.

There is no overnight treatment to reduce weight. Weight loss with medications often leads to side effects, which can cause potentially harmful complications. Alternate remedies for treating obesity require a prolonged effort at controlling one’s desire to eat. Several herbal weightloss medications are available and these are fairly effective in inducing weightloss and again only after a reasonable period of time. Remember there is no short cut to weightloss. It’s important to remember that following these programs also requires a concerted effort at restraint and control.

Surgical options as a means to induce a quick weightloss have been seen as an alternative approach to those morbidly obese. Two types of surgical procedures, gastric restrictive procedures and gastrointestinal bypass procedures are used to treat obese individuals:

Gastric Restrictive Surgery is a process by which the size of the stomach is reduced.
Vertical Banded Gastroplasty involves stapling of the stomach to reduce its capacity roughly to 15ml or ½ ounce. This leads to dividing the stomach in two pouches - one small that is stapled and the other unstapled and bigger. The food from the esophagus enters the small pouch and the bigger pouch receives small amounts of food from it. Over eating produces nausea, vomiting or pain and therefore restricts over eating.
Laparoscopic Gastric Binding attempts to achieve the same goal as the above but involves placing a band around the upper portion of the stomach. This procedure is becoming more popular than the earlier surgery due to the involvement of latest technology and perhaps being less invasive. It uses a laparoscope, a slender endoscope inserted through a small incision in the abdominal wall in order to perform surgery.

Gastrointestinal Bypass Surgery is a variation of restrictive surgery where a portion of the stomach in stapled off. A portion of the small intestines is attached directly to the stapled portion bypassing the upper parts of the small intestines.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is the technical name for gastrointestinal bypass surgery. This procedure is now done laparoscopically which makes recovery faster and is far safer.
Biliopancreatic Bypass is a process wherein the juices of liver and the pancreas that help in digestion are rerouted to the far end of the small intestine, near the large intestines. Food enters the stomach and rapidly crosses the small intestines where the absorption of nutrients occurs. The remaining bulk passes over to the large intestines where excess water is removed from the stool. This leads to a significant malabsorption leading to nearly 80% weight loss.

Surgery is recommended only in cases where the body weight is at least 100 lbs above the ideal body weight. Surgery for weightloss is often associated with significant dangers despite advances in the technology involved. All surgeries for obesity treatment reduce the absorption of nutrients, which causes mineral and vitamin deficiencies, ultimately leading to anemia. Malabsorption of nutrients often leads to the weakening of bones. Some conditions caused by such surgeries may involve a lifelong treatment. Surgery might be the answer for those grossly obese but for the ones who do not fall into the category of ‘surgery for weightloss’ should definitely try alternative means to lose weight.

How Healthy Are Weight-Loss Diets?

Rising incidence of obesity and overweight along with the associated morbidity and mortality has led to booming research and widespread marketing of various diet plans. An estimated 50 million Americans go on weight-loss diets and spend $30 billion for diet programs and products every year. How much do we know about the long-term health effects of the various weight-loss programs.

A recent study compared the effectiveness and safety of eight currently popular weight-loss diets—two Weight Watchers plans, Atkins, Ornish, The Zone, South Beach, New Glucose Revolution, and the 2005 US Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid—and gave the best health rating to the Dean Ornish plan: a low-fat, high-fiber, vegetarian diet that was one of the earliest pioneers at reversing heart disease.

The largest commercial weight-loss plan-Weight Watchers assigns points to various foods based on the fat, calorie and fiber content. Foods rich in fiber are assigned a lower number than foods high in fat and calories. The idea of dieters is to try and maintain their total score below a targeted value based on their current weight and desired weight loss. The two plans included are a high-carbohydrate plan and a high-protein plan.

Atkins’ diet is a high-fat and low-carb diet that adjusts carbohydrate allowances in four phases and aims to achieve weight loss initially and weight maintenance in the long run.

The Dean Ornish plan, designed by Dr Dean Ornish with an idea to formulate a meal plan for his patients with heart disease has been very popular amongst the doctors advocating dietary regimes aimed at arresting the growing burden of obesity. It is basically a vegetarian diet that emphasizes foods high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, limits fat intake to no more than 10% of a day’s calories, and strictly limits cholesterol and saturated fats.

The Zone Diet plan is reduced in calories and carbohydtares and specifies the proportion of daily calories from from carbohydrates (40%), protein (30%), and fat (30%).

South Beach Diet plan, in 3 phases, begins with a reduced-carbohydrate phase and gradually settles into a plan that includes modest amounts of whole grains.

The New Glucose Revolution consists of a finely balanced lean proteins, healthy fats, and high-fiber complex carbohydrates with a low Glycaemic index. The Glycaemic index measures the level by which foods increase the blood Glucose values.

The Food Guide Pyramid plan suggests the volume or weight of foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meats, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products that should be included in the diet each day. The plan is driven by a knowledge of the various nutrients and foods that prevent chronic disease and nutrient deficiencies.

The fats essentially considered healthy-PUFA and MUFA (Polyunsaturated and Monounsaturated) and derived from plant sources are generally recommended in all these weight plans. The only variant is the Atkins’ Plan which does not restrict the “Unhealthy Saturated Fats”.

How were each plan assessed? The Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) was used to measure a diet’s cardiac-risk reducing effect. This was based on several quality assessments such as the amount of fruit, soy, nut, vegetable, and cereal fiber, the ratio of white to red meat, the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fat, and the amount of trans fat (which are unhealthful partially hydrogenated oils).

In order of scores, the Ornish plan was first followed by the Weight Watchers and New Glucose plans. The reason for the rankings was that these plans all had high scores for being high in cereal fiber, vegetables, and fruits, and low in trans fats. The Atkins’ Plan was the last on the rung due to its outright imbalance in white-to-red-meat ratio, polyunsaturated-to-saturated-fat ratio, and cereal fiber and trans-fat content.

According to scientists who went through these plans in detail, patients and their healthcare providers must be conscious of health concerns when choosing a plan for weight loss because dietary change is meant to be a long-term process. While short-term weight loss is attained by any of these diets, in obesity management long-term weight maintenance and lower heart disease risk is crucial. The conclusion is that weight-loss plans that best address these long-term goals are the ones which are high in fiber-dense complex carbohydrates.

The Five Factor Diet Analyzed

As the saying goes necessity is the mother of invention. Harley Pasternak, a personal trainer, was challenged to create a brief yet incredibly effective workout for Hollywood actors and actresses while training them during the short breaks in between shots while on the movie sets. In addition he needed to create healthy meals in a matter of minutes using simple ingredients. The result? Harley’s clients were eating 5 times per day, exercising in short bursts and transforming their silhouette. An extrapolation of the same regime is available online as it has been shown that people lose weight more predictably when participating in online weight loss programs rather than doing it alone.

The 5-factor diet is very simple to follow. The number 5 is very crucial here!

5 weeks: The plan is designed for a total duration of 5 weeks. In fact the plan is so simple and effective that it can be transformed into a whole new lifestyle.
5 meals per day: It has been proven conclusively that people gain weight when they tend to snack between meals. The 5-factor diet takes care of exactly this problem. By eating 5 small meals per day one can say goodbye to the cravings and the resulting snacking. Each meal contains 300 calories and on top of that two snacks of 200 calories are allowed.
5 ingredient meals: Each of the meal is made up of only 5 ingredients and takes 5 minutes to prepare. The meals are low in fat and low in calories. Each person gets hundreds of simple recipes to plan his or her meals.
5 minute workouts: Exercising at a stretch can be a pain literally for many of us. The 5-factor diet plan hits the nail right on the head by breaking down the amount of time spent on exercises. The workouts are designed to last 5 minutes and are meant to be undertaken 5 times per day. Working out more often for shorter periods is far more effective than spending hours at the gym.
5 cheat days in 5 weeks: Imagine being imprisoned in a diet prison with loads of restrictions! More than 90% of the people attempting to lose weight will eventually give up if a strict diet plan is enforced upon them. The 5 factor diet allows for one cheat day per week where the person is allowed to eat his or her favorite foods. Controlled cheating can actually help many people reach their goals and helps people maintain the regime without getting disillusioned.

5-Factor Weight-Loss Tools:

1. Daily Meal Planner
2. Hundreds of Recipes
3. Personal Recipe Box
4. Shopping List Tool
5. Food Log
6. Cooking Shortcuts
7. Eating Out Guide
8. Custom Fitness Plan
9. Activity Calculator
10. Weight Tracker
11. Online Journal
12. Ideal Weight Calculator
13. Daily Inspiration
14. Message Boards

Weightloss By Blocking Absorption Of Dietary Fat

In continuing with my intention to review some of the top medications for aiding weightloss I have embarked on reviewing weightloss by way of blocking the absorption of dietary fats. As is common knowledge weightloss can be achieved either by reducing the intake of dietary fats (or by blocking their absorption at the peripheral level) or by burning stored fat reserves.

One of the targets for weightloss is blockade of the absorption of dietary fats. A prescription drug that does this by blocking an enzyme linked to fat absorption in the intestine is Xenical. Another means of blocking fat absorption at the intestinal level is to ensure that the fats do not get easy access to the blood stream by forming complexes with the fat cells.

One such product that binds down the fat cells in the food is PROACTOL. Proactol has been shown to effectively bind to fats in the gut and reduce their absorption by as high as 28%. The consequences of this include:

1. Reduction of excess body weight.

2. Reduction of Cholesterol levels.
3. Reduced food cravings.

4. Healthier lifestyle.

5. Helps suppress appetite.

Proactol is a clinically proven product that has been approved by leading doctors from around the world. Proactol is a fiber complex that is 100% natural and 100% organic fat binder made from the cactus Opuntia ficus-indica. Proactol contains both the types of fiber - soluble and non-soluble.

How does Proactol work?

When Proactol non-soluble fibres come into contact with dietary fats they bind with them immediately to form a fluid gel around the fat and this makes the fat complex too large to be absorbed by the body. Unabsorbed fats then pass naturally through the body. Proactol has been clinically proven to bind up to 28% of dietary fats. The result is that the patient can continue to eat the foods he or she loves with the full knowledge that their absorption is being blocked.

Proactol soluble fibers are highly viscous when they bind with bile acids to create a very viscous solution which slows down digestion and slows down the absorption of glucose. The stomach finds the viscous solution a lot harder to digest and therefore it remains in the stomach far longer than an ordinary meal usually would. This gives a feeling of being full for much longer. The result is suppressed appetite and reduced food cravings.

The drug is taken after meals generally for maximum effects. A consultation with the physician is recommended before starting this medication. For weightloss 2-3 tablets following each of the three major meals in a day for 6 months, to maintain general well-being and prevent future weight gain 2 tablets after each major meal and to maintain existing body weight 1-2 tablets after each major meal is an effective dosage.

Proactol has been documented in several clinical trials and backed by renowned experts in the field of weightloss. The simple mechanism of action of this drug is entirely physiological and seems to be a rational way of suppressing weight gain. Comparative trials versus other weightloss medications is needed to see which amongst the host of medicines fare better. A summary of clinical trials with Proactol is indicated below.

If you have always dreamt about getting back into shape and have a keen desire to lead a more confident life then this might be just right for you. Take a few moments to think about what it would mean to you if you could take control of your weight and achieve the body that you have always dreamt about. Imagine feeling fantastic when you reach your target weight and you can finally fit into the clothes you desire.

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