Rapid Network

Obesity is a growing problem in the United States. The latest statistics show that nearly 2/3 of Americans are significantly overweight and almost half are actually obese. As more and more attention is focused on this problem and other health related issues it causes, more and more people are looking for different methods to achieve rapid weight loss. Fast weight loss is not always the healthy choice. There are some medically approved methods that should be used if rapid weight loss is the goal.

The first step to safely beginning a program of rapid weight loss is to pay a visit to one's family doctor. He will be aware of different products and procedures that are available to those who are significantly overweight to achieve fast weight loss without causing worse health problems in the process. Changes in diet and beginning a doctor approved exercise regimen will be important decisions to be made while talking with the doctor.

Certain medical procedures may be brought up for consideration if a person is morbidly obese. Gastric Bypass surgery (stomach stapling), installing a Lap Band, liposuction, and other surgical procedures can be topics for consideration when seeking a rapid weight loss plan. Each of these procedures carries its own risks as well as benefits, so discussing the options with the doctor to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks before having one of these procedures performed.

Appetite suppressant medications may be purchased at most pharmacies and the drug section of grocery stores. Care should be exercised in choosing and using these medications as the risks of side effects are significant. As a general rule, appetite suppressants are not suggested as a means to achieve fast weight loss.

One common misconception people have about dieting to achieve rapid weight loss is that they must starve themselves. This could not be further from the truth. Starvation diets can actually compound the problem of obesity and do more harm than good. If the body is deprived of food, it starts to produce hormones designed to take every available calorie and convert it to fat for storage until needed. The body will often break down muscle and other tissues for the protein needed to sustain major life systems while storing fat against possible long term need.

The proper method of dieting to achieve rapid weight loss involves making changes to one's eating habits without depriving the body of needed nutrients. Eating 4 to 5 small meals spread out through a day instead of 3 large meals is one step. Portion control is a critical element of dieting for fast weight loss. Eat enough to sustain the body without over eating. Replacing many of the high fat, high calorie foods common in most of our diets with more vegetables and fruits, cutting back on the amount of red meat in the diet, and limiting starches will reduce the caloric intake of the body significantly while leaving a volume of food available that will leave one feeling full.

Of course, exercise is also a critical step in rapid weight loss programs. The doctor will generally outline an exercise regimen designed to burn more calories than are consumed without stressing parts of the body that are not yet able to withstand added strain. As the weight comes off, the exercises will become more intense, leading to faster weight loss yet.