There are many reasons why people lose weight, naturally or intentionally. But usually, people work on losing weight to look and feel better. For the majority, being thin is a virtue, and for that reason, lots of weight loss programs have been launched to satisfy the peoples obsession towards slimming down.

The main principle behind weight loss remains constant: there should be more energy given off than consumed. To achieve the ideal type of energy expenditure, total calorie consumption should be decreased or there should be an increase in physical activity.There are therapeutic benefits in losing weight. Obese people are automatically recommended by physicians to lose weight, since getting slimmer can rid them of diseases brought on by too much weight, such as heart diseases and high blood pressure. weight loss can also eliminate symptoms of other diseases such as diabetes and spine disorders.

For those who are intent on losing weight, there are a lot of weight loss programs at their disposal. Almost all of them can work, provided they motivate an individual enough to decrease calorie intake and increase physical activity.

What are the characteristics of a safe and healthy weight loss program?

1. The diet should be safe.

A diet should not fall short of the daily recommended nutrition levels for having a healthy way of life. It should be low in calories only, not the essential nutrients to keep a person healthy.

2. Losing weight should be in a slow and steady pace.

Do not aim for rapid weight loss unless instructed to by your doctor, physicians usually recommend weight loss if it is beneficial to a patients health condition. The ideal weight loss would be one pound per week after the first couple of weeks of the program.

Diets with calorie restrictions make a person lose weight rapidly, but most of the weight lost is mainly composed of fluid. This fluid will be gained back as fast as it was dropped when the individual returns to a normal-calorie diet program.

3. An expert opinion should be solicited.

If a person wants to lose more than 20 pounds, it is recommended that they are evaluated by their doctor first before starting a weight loss program. A doctor can advise about the possible effects of huge weight loss on a persons general well being.

3. Plans for weight maintenance should be included.

There should be a specific plan in place for a person to maintain his ideal weight once the unwanted pounds are already eliminated. Maintaining the ideal weight means a complete change of lifestyle for some, since eating habits are restricted and the amount of physical activity is increased.

Think long term. There is no use working extra hard to shed those pounds only to regain it because there are no maintenance plans available.

4. A detailed list of fees

A legitimate weight loss program should always provide a list of costs and fees consumed during the process.

What are some of the most popular diet programs today?

1. Atkins diet

The Atkins program is all about the restriction of a persons carbohydrate intake. Foods like bread, sugar, cereal, pasta and some vegetables are strictly forbidden. The Atkins diet uses the process of ketosis in planning their weight loss procedures.

In ketosis, carbohydrates should be eliminated because reducing it forces the body to burn fat. Carbohydrates is responsible for the production of insulin, which transforms excess carbohydrates to fat.

There are portion restrictions for Atkins dieters when it comes to the consumption of low-carb foods such as meat, eggs, salads, and chicken.

2. South Beach diet

Although a bit similar to the Atkins program, in the sense that it does not eliminate carbs completely - rather, the program just balances the good carbs and the bad carbs. In the beginning of the diet, most carbs are avoided for two weeks.

The dieter need not get hungry because he is allowed to consume three meals a day, including snacks. Foods such as meat, fish, and chicken can be eaten by the dieter.

Everyone should strive to look good and feel healthy. weight loss programs are created to enable people to achieve the weight that they desire. One should choose carefully the program that they would like to try, and consult their physician prior to starting a weight loss program.