Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The truth about diet pills.....

Many dieters may be tricked into believing that there is a magic weight loss pill that will help them lose weight without changing their diet or exercise plan. Although there are many supplements that can assist a dieter in reaching their goal weight, dieters will not be able to lose the weight in a healthy way and keep it off without changing the way that they eat or exercise.

There are many myths about weight loss aids; the largest I believe, is an individual does not need to diet or exercise if they are taking a weight loss supplement. In reality, an individual must also learn how to eat healthy and must begin physical activity in order to be on their way to a realistic weight loss goal.

Because many American’s are overweight, the use of diet aids is a growing trend. People weigh more than they did in the past. Obesity is a huge problem in the U.S. Two out of three adults are overweight, which is 50% higher than forty years ago, says Harvard’s Men’s Watch. Also, there is more to being overweight than just physical appearance. There are many complications associated with being overweight like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease; and, obesity sadly accounts for 1 in 10 American deaths.

The only way to reduce these health risks and to lose weight is by eating a healthy diet and burning more calories than consumed. The average American weighs more now because there is less physical activity in their day to day lives. This has occurred because people’s jobs are less physical, more people spend their free time watching television, and people eat more. In a nutshell, people weigh more today because they move less.

Once people get tired of being overweight, instead of working out or reducing caloric intake, many people attract to diet pills and other weight loss aids. Although, there are many weight loss aid manufactures that say their consumers will lose weight, there is not sufficient evidence to support their claim for a quick, easy, long-term solution. Also, just because a diet supplement is on a store’s shelf, does not mean that it is safe.

Although some diet aids may assist by curbing appetites or by helping speed up metabolism, realistic weight loss cannot be achieved without diet and exercise. Mayo Clinic staff says that the best way to lose weight is through diet and exercise and they recommend 150 minutes of exercise a week. In addition, if an individual has serious health problems, their physician may recommend surgery or medication. Prescription diet pills and/or surgery can assist in weight loss, but only when combined with diet and physical activity to maintain the weight reduction.

Changing your diet is probably the foundation of weight loss. Ways to change your diet include eating fewer calories and adding more water and fiber. Every system of the body relies on water and so adding eight, 8 ounce glasses of water a day to your diet is not only good for your body, but it also helps you feel full longer. Water is also in many fruits and vegetables and they also tend to be low in calories. For instance, a serving of grape fruit is made up of about 90% water and only has thirty-nine calories. Foods high in fiber also take longer to digest and make an individual feel full longer. Many foods high in fiber are also lower in calories, says Mayo Clinic Staff.

Changing your diet will help you lose weight and make you feel better. The Center of Disease Control says that a weight loss of 5% of your total body weight can have great health benefits by reducing your risks for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases. Individuals, who lose 1-2 pounds per week by reducing their calorie intake by 500-1000 calories a day in addition to adding physical activity, are more successful at maintaining their weight loss than those who choose to use diet aids alone.
 Ultimately, diet pills, supplements, and other aids may assist an individual with curbing their appetite, speeding up their metabolism, or by blocking fat; however, an individual’s weight loss goal cannot be reached and maintained without changing their lifestyle. The most successful way to lose weight is to set a realistic goal, develop a healthy diet plan, and cultivate a habit of exercise. When an individual is active, their body uses calories and burns fat. Basically, diet pills and other aids are not the best way to achieve your weight loss goals and should only be used in conjunction with a proper diet and fitness program. The best way to lose weight is to move more and eat less.         

By: Alaina Dean via Divine Caroline

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