| For most people, losing weight can be a lifelong | | | | finished her three-week program, she did not |
| struggle. There are many reasons for this. | | | | return. Slowly, the pounds came back and today, |
| Sometimes people must take medication for | | | | Lily is fatter than she was before she went on |
| another ailment or disease, which causes an | | | | her diet. Contrast that with our next example. |
| increase in hunger. Or the medication may affect | | | | "Doug" was addicted to soda. He'd have one or |
| the person's metabolism, slowing it down. These | | | | two with lunch, one for an afternoon |
| reasons can cause weight loss. Other people | | | | "pick-me-up", and one or two with dinner. (You'll |
| suffer from psychological problems with food that | | | | need a big calculator to add up all of those |
| can make weight loss impossible without | | | | "empty" calories!) So, to start living a healthier life, |
| counseling. These people turn to food for comfort | | | | Doug decided on a lifestyle change. He stopped |
| or to fill an emotional void. In this case, eating is | | | | drinking soda. He instead drinks unsweetened teas |
| just a substitute for something else. Food can | | | | and water. After six months, Doug has lost (and |
| never fill this void so the person continues to eat | | | | maintained his weight loss) 50 pounds. Plus, he |
| in the hopes of filling this unfulfilled void. Both of | | | | claims to have more energy than ever before! |
| these situations can lead to weight gain and even | | | | If your weigh gain is due to medical reasons such |
| to obesity. | | | | as medications that increase hunger or reduce |
| However, there are a few simple things you can | | | | metabolism, then talk to your doctor about it. |
| do to help with your weight loss. The first is not | | | | There are hundreds of new drugs that come to |
| to diet. That is right, do not diet! A diet is simply a | | | | market every year and there may be an |
| short-term process, which is meant for a rapid | | | | alternative that doesn't have this unwanted side |
| weight loss. However, this cannot be sustained | | | | effect. Or perhaps, your doctor could adjust the |
| and after the diet is over, the person usually gains | | | | dose of your medication to help reduce these |
| back all of their weight and more! Instead of diet, | | | | cravings for food or reduction in metabolism. |
| you must approach weight loss as a lifestyle | | | | So, as you can see, weight loss requires an |
| change. A lifestyle change implies that this is a | | | | entirely new mindset. If you require medication, |
| long-term process that takes time to implement | | | | talk to your doctor about changing or reducing |
| but will have last effects. I have two friends who | | | | your medication. If you need to eliminate certain |
| illustrate both points. The first, we'll call "Lily." Lily | | | | foods from your diet, pick one and start there. |
| went to L.A. Weight Loss and paid her fees for | | | | Just remember, the longest journey starts with a |
| the 12 week program. She stuck to her diet and | | | | single step. Weight loss, and permanent weight |
| she loses 21 pounds! Great! However, after she | | | | loss, is definitely a journey worth taking. |