Prescription Weight Loss

Herbal Weight Loss

2008-08-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

Ephedra (ma-huang) and its active ingredient ephedrine were commonly found in herbal dietary supplements used for weight loss. Ephedrine is used in asthma medicine, as well as to make methamphetamine, more commonly known as speed. In fact, there's only a slight difference chemically between methamphetamine and ephedrine. Ephedrine can slightly suppress your appetite, but no studies have shown it to be effective in weight loss. Ephedrine can also be dangerous. It can cause high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and even death. Ephedrine can also interact with many prescription and over-the-counter medications. In February 2004, the FDA officially banned the sale of ephedrine in any dietary supplement in the U.S. due to the risk of illness or injury.

St. John's wort. This herbal product is primarily used as an antidepressant. Few studies have evaluated its effectiveness for promoting weight loss. St. John's wort and ephedra are the two primary ingredients in herbal phen-fen. If you are taking St. John's wort, you should avoid tyramine-containing foods (for example, aged cheese, cured or aged meats, wines, etc.). You should also check with your doctor before taking any other medications, since it has many potential harmful interactions with antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, heart medications and dextromethorphan (contained in various cold remedies). The use of St. John's wort for weight loss is potentially very dangerous. There are no clinical studies to support the use of St. John's wort for weight loss.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Found in some over-the-counter weight loss products, this extract from a West African plant seed has replaced tryptophan supplements after the FDA banned sale of tryptophan due to its link to a rare and potentially deadly blood disorder. 5-HTP has not been proven to effectively promote weight loss and is under constant scrutiny for safety. In larger doses, 5-HTP may have a negative effect on the liver.

Chitosan (KITE-o-san). This dietary supplement is made from chitin, a starch found in the skeleton of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. Chitosan cannot be digested; therefore it passes through your intestinal tract unabsorbed without adding any calories. The chemical nature of Chitosan makes it bind with fatty foods, removing some of the fat from your body as it passes through rather than allowing it to be absorbed. Several studies, however, found no more weight loss from Chitosan than from a placebo (sugar pill).

Chromium is thought to enhance the effect of insulin and therefore the breakdown of carbohydrates. It has been touted as a weight loss aid and a fat burner. Much of the evidence is inconclusive on chromium's effect on weight loss. Several studies have failed to show any benefit in weight loss after taking this mineral.

Pyruvate. Pyruvate is formed in the body during digestion of carbohydrates and protein from food. It may have a slight effect in helping you shed pounds, according to some studies. Found in the form of pyruvic acid, pyruvate can be found in various foods including red apples, cheese, and red wine. Pyruvate appears to be safe, but claims of boosting metabolism, decreasing appetite and aiding in weight loss need further study.

Aloe. Most often used as a topical product for wound healing, oral forms of aloe are added to herbal weight-loss products. Oral aloe produces a strong cathartic response (producing bowel movements) and many aloe weight-loss products are marketed as "internal cleansers." However, aloe or aloe-containing products should not be ingested orally if you have intestinal problems like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or abdominal pain of an unknown reason. Use of this agent orally has lead to side effects such as abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and problems with the body's mineral balance. In addition, it can interact with medications such as Lanoxin (digoxin), a medicine used to treat heart failure. The use of aloe has not been proven to keep weight off.

Cascara. Cascara is a common ingredient used in weight loss products. One of the few herbs approved as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA, it is a strong stimulant laxative. Misuse of this herb has caused problems with the body's minerals (such as potassium, sodium). It should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cascara may interact with medications such as Lanoxin and diuretics (water pills, used to treat hypertension and other health problems).
Dandelion. Dandelion is a natural diuretic. It may produce significant weight loss by decreasing body water. However, it can cause allergic reactions and heartburn.

Glucomannan. Made from the root of Amorphophallus Konjac, glucomannan is said to contribute to weight loss by delaying the absorption of glucose from the intestines. Small limited studies have shown glucomannan to be effective in decreasing body weight. This effect is believed to be due to a "feeling of fullness" which may be due to the swelling of the glucomannan in the gut once it has been exposed to liquids. However, esophageal obstruction has been reported in several people taking glucomannan. Glucomannan and glucomannan-containing products have been banned in several countries due to the high incidence of gastrointestinal obstruction. Glucomannan should not be used by people with a previous history of gastrointestinal obstruction, and caution should be used in diabetics.

Guarana. Made from the seeds of a plant native to Brazil, guarana speeds up the brain's activity and is used to promote weight loss due to its stimulant and diuretic effect. Guarana contains 3% to 5% caffeine and may cause high blood pressure. Some of the extracts have been known to cause prolonged bleeding and interact with blood thinner medication such as Coumadin. Many advertisements state guarana is free from side effects; however, this statement is not true. Side effects from guarana may include nausea, dizziness, and anxiousness.

Garcinia (hydroxycitric acid). An ingredient found in at least 14 weight loss supplements comes from a plant native to India and Southeast Asia. To date, the best available data show this product is not effective in weight loss.

Yerba Mate. Also known as Paraguay tea, yerba mate is a strong brain stimulant (the doses typically used mimic that of 100 to 200 mg of caffeine). The principle side effects reported are excessive stimulation and high blood pressure. It has not been proven to promote weight loss. Some case reports of poisoning (leading to hospitalization) with this agent have been reported and excessive use may be linked to cancer of the esophagus.

Guar Gum. Also known as guar, guar flour, and jaguar gum, guar gum is a dietary fiber obtained from the Indian cluster bean. Guar gum has been commonly used in small amounts as a thickening agent for foods and medications. It has been noted to decrease appetite by providing a "feeling of fullness." However, like glucomannan, guar gum may cause obstruction of the esophagus. The water-retaining capacity of the gum permits it to swell to 10- to 20-fold and has led to gastrointestinal obstructions. Reviews of multiple studies show it has no effect on weight loss.

Herbal Diuretics. There are many varieties of herbal diuretics that are commonly found in over-the-counter weight loss products as well as herbal weight loss preparations. Most of the diuretics used in over-the-counter treatments are derived from caffeine. Most of the herbal diuretics are not toxic but have been known to interact with medications (for example, lithium [Lithobid, Eskalith], Lanoxin or conventional diuretics such as Lasix or Esidrex). Herbal diuretics do not provide enough water loss to be considered effective in losing weight. More importantly, long-term weight loss is loss of fat, not water.

Common Sense Advice for Taking Herbal Medicines

If you become ill while taking an herbal remedy, see a doctor or consult with a health care professional.
Do not take herbs if pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
Do not take herbs if you are nursing.
Do not give herbs to a baby.
Do not take large quantities of any one herbal preparation.
Do not take any herb on a daily basis.
Buy only preparations in which the plants are listed on the packet (Note: There is no guarantee attached to any product.)
Do not take herbal remedies if you are taking medicine for a chronic condition (for example, high blood pressure or depression). If you are unsure consult with your doctor prior to taking any herbal preparation.
Do not take herbal remedies without first talking to your doctor.
Always advise your doctor of any herbal remedy or alternative medicine you are taking.

Keep in mind that herbal preparations will not provide permanent weight loss and there are multiple ingredients in herbal weight loss preparations, some of which have serious side effects and can lead to dangerous toxicities. The use of herbal remedies to lose weight is not generally recommended by the medical community due to the high risk of toxicities and lack of clinical effectiveness.

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Weight Loss Exercise-8 Simple Stretches

2008-08-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

Stretching keeps muscles and joints limber. It's also an excellent way to relax yourself and release tension.

The program below combines simple stretching exercises with modified yoga poses. The series of stretches is designed to be done in sequence. But if any exercise feels too difficult or uncomfortable, skip it and go on to the next.

1. Side Stretch
Step A
Stand up straight with your feet together, fingers interlaced at chest level. Turn your palms away and raise your arms overhead. Lengthen your arms, torso and legs. Relax your neck and hold for a count of five.

Step B
Now bend slowly to the right and hold for a count of five. Return to the starting position. Then gently bend to the left and hold for a count of five.

2. Forward Bend
Step A
Bring your arms back down to your sides and pause. Now bend your knees slightly. Place your feet about six inches apart. Then bend slowly at the waist until your chest is resting on your thighs. Let your arms dangle in front of you and hold the position for about 20 seconds.

Step B
Slowly straighten your legs as much as feels comfortable. Keep your upper body and arms relaxed and in roughly the same position, and hold again for about 20 seconds. If you need a little extra support, place your hands on a 12-inch stool or block of wood.

3. Downward-Facing Dog
Step A
Straighten back up, then get down on all fours, hands and knees on the floor. Tuck your toes under so the balls of your feet are on the ground. Contracting your abdominal muscles, slowly lift your hips to form an upside-down V with your body. Allow your knees to bend slightly and your heels to rise off the floor.

Step B
Keeping your back straight, gently straighten your knees and press your heels toward the floor. Hold for 20 seconds.

4. Quad Stretch
Now slowly lower yourself to the floor and lie on your left side, your left arm supporting your head. With your right hand, grasp your right ankle. Gently pull your right foot toward your buttocks, feeling the muscles in the front of your leg stretch. Your right knee should be in line with your left one. Hold for 20 seconds, then roll over and repeat with your left foot.

5. Cobra
Return to resting position, face down on the floor with your legs together and the tops of your feet touching the mat or carpet. Place your hands on either side of your head, palms down and shoulder-width apart. Press up, raising your shoulders and resting on your forearms. Gaze forward or slightly up. Feel your lower back stretch and relax. Hold for 20 seconds.

6. Child's Pose
Return to the starting position of the cobra. Now slowly press up and back, bending at the knees and waist until you are sitting on the backs of your heels. The tops of your feet should be flat against the floor and your arms stretched flat on the floor in front of you. Lower your shoulders and your forehead to the ground, and hold for 20 seconds.

7. Hip Stretch
Step A
Roll over onto your back. Roll your pelvis to the right, gently lowering your right knee as close to the floor as you can. Hold for 20 seconds. Then repeat on the left side.

8. Corpse Pose
Slowly slide your feet out until your legs are flat on the floor. With your arms about 45 degrees from your side, palms up, and your legs about one to two feet apart, let your feet fall away from each other. Close your eyes and relax. Concentrate on releasing tension from the center of your body outward to your fingertips and toes.

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Weight Loss Program

Weight Loss Exercise

2008-08-17T01:55:00.000-07:00

A lot of us live our lives like penned animals. Built to move, too often we put ourselves in a cage. We have bodies designed for racing across the savannas, but we live a lifestyle designed for migrating from the bed to the breakfast table; to the car seat; to the office chair; to the restaurant booth; to the living room couch and back to the bed. The more regularly you exercise, the easier it is to maintain your weight.

"Burning fat is extremely hard to do. It requires a lot of energy as fat is very hard to break down. Your body would rather use muscle for it's energy requirements. Secondly, the digestion of food is the most energy consuming thing the body does. Weight loss exercise is so critical to weight loss"

The healthy way to lose weight is not through crash diets, fad diets or sudden exercise. Slow changes are always better in terms of food and exercise. Someone who had never exercised for many years should not run three miles every day.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Exercise works the same way."

On the other hand people who eat a lot will face problems if they start starving themselves. Make changes gradually. If done frequently, then even a light exercise like a walk can be beneficial. Someone who increases the amount they exercise, but maintains the diet and calorie intake, will certainly lose weight.

Losing weight and keeping it off is a real challenge for most people. That's why it's important to begin a weight loss program with the help of your health care team, including, if possible, a dietitian. They can help you find ways to decrease calories but still consume the foods you enjoy. And they can suggest strategies to help you change old habits for new ones.

Exercise is also known as physical activity and includes anything that gets you moving, such as walking, dancing, or working in the yard. You can earn the benefits of being physically active without going to a gym, playing sports, or using fancy equipment. When you're physically fit, you have the strength, flexibility, and endurance needed for your daily activities. Being physically active helps you feel better physically and mentally.

Losing weight is all about expending more calories than you consume throughout the day. It is well known that this may be achieved by eating well and exercising, but it is not commonly understood which exercise program is the best for burning the most calories in a day.

Muscle is the body's metabolic engine. Muscle is heavier than fat by two times and is very needy of calories. That is to say that for every pound of muscle you carry, your body needs 50 calories a day to sustain it. Its why weight loss exercise is so important for your health. Muscle looks better than fat. A more muscular person has more fun, is less prone to injury.

Program 1

Start by exercising for 10 minutes, 6 days per week, or 20 minutes, 3 days per week. If you can do 60 minutes then even better.
Always start with a light walk to warm up, and then increase the pace of your walk.

Program 2

Warm up and stretch for 5-10 minutes.
Power walk for 5 minutes, slow walk for 2 minutes.
Repeat for duration of your walk.
Always complete a warm down before finishing the session.

Program 3

Warm up and stretch for 5-10 minutes.
Power walk for 500m, slow walk for 100m.
Repeat for the duration of your walk.
Always complete a warm down before finishing the session.

Program 4

Warm up and stretch for 5-10 minutes.
Jog for 50m, walk for 500m.
Repeat 5 times.
Always complete a warm down before finishing the session.

Program 5

Warm up and stretch for 5-10 minutes.
Walk up 20 steps (not floors), and then complete a 2 minute recovery walk on level ground.
Repeat 5 times.
Always complete a warm down before finishing the session.

The Best Time of Day to Exercise

Some people argue that the best time to exercise is first thing in the morning because it boosts your metabolism for the rest of the day. While the research in this area is scarce, boosting your metabolism during the day is not enough of a reason to exercise first thing in the morning. Frankly, your metabolism is elevated anytime you exercise, especially when performing a resistance training routine or a fast-paced circuit training workout.

The more important reason to exercise first thing in the morning is because it kick-starts your day, sets a positive mood for the rest of the day and prevents you from missing your exercise session when something unplanned “comes up.” If you are a morning person, then exercise in the morning. If you like to plan a lunchtime run or quick resistance training session, that is fine too. You may be the type of person who likes to get home from work, kick off the shoes and quickly start your routine before the kids get home or before you start your chores.

Whatever the case, exercise at a time that works best for you and the results will follow: increased metabolism and better physical and mental health. The time you may want to avoid exercising is an hour or two before retiring to bed.

Estimated Number Of Calories Burned While Performing A Variety Of Exercises For One Hour

Activity (one-hour duration)	Weight of person and calories burned
	160 pounds (73 kilograms)	200 pounds (91 kilograms)	240 pounds (109 kilograms)
Aerobics, high impact	511	637	763
Aerobics, low impact	365	455	545
Aerobics, water	292	364	436
Backpacking	511	637	763
Basketball game	584	728	872
Bicycling,<>292	364	436
Bowling	219	273	327
Canoeing	256	319	382
Dancing, ballroom	219	273	327
Football, touch, flag, general	584	728	872
Golfing, carrying clubs	329	410	491
Hiking	438	546	654
Ice skating	511	637	763
Jogging, 5 mph	584	728	872
Racquetball, casual, general	511	637	763
Rollerblading	913	1,138	1,363
Rope jumping	730	910	1,090
Rowing, stationary	511	637	763
Running, 8 mph	986	1,229	1,472
Skiing, cross-country	511	637	763
Skiing, downhill	365	455	545
Skiing, water	438	546	654
Softball or baseball	365	455	545
Stair treadmill	657	819	981
Swimming, laps	511	637	763
Tae kwon do	730	910	1,090
Tai chi	292	364	436
Tennis, singles	584	728	872
Volleyball	292	364	436
Walking, 2 mph	183	228	273
Walking, 3.5 mph	277	346	414
Weightlifting, free weight, Nautilus or universal type	219	273	327

Why is exercise so good for you?

Elevates your metabolism so that you burn more calories every day.
Increases you aerobic capacity (fitness level). This gives you the ability to go through each day with less relative energy expenditure. This enables a 'fit' person to have more energy left at the end of the day and to get more accomplished during the day with less fatigue.
Maintains, tones, and strengthens your muscle. Exercise also increases your muscular endurance.
Decreases your blood pressure.
Increases the oxidation (breakdown and use) of fat.
Increases HDL (good) cholesterol.
Makes the heart a more efficient pump by increasing stroke volume.
Increases hemoglobin concentration in your blood. Hemoglobin is part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Decreases the tendency of the blood to clot in the blood vessels. This is important because small clots traveling in the blood are often the cause of heart attacks and strokes.
Increases the strength of bones.
Causes the development of new blood vessels in the heart and other muscles.
Enlarges the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Decreases blood levels of triglycerides (fat).
Improves control of blood sugar.
Improves sleeping patterns.
Increases the efficiency of the digestive system which may reduce the incidence of colon cancer.
Increases the thickness of cartilage in joints, which has a protective effect on the joints.
Decreases a woman's risk of developing endometrials by 50%.
Reduced stress.
Effective weight control
Increased muscle tissue, healthy bones and flexible joints.
Increased balanced and coordination which is especially important in older adults.
Better mental well-being.
Increases the amount of blood that flows to the skin making it look healthier and feel better.
Reduced risk of heart disease.
Decreases total blood cholesterol
Reduced risk of diabetes.
Reduced risk of osteoporosis.
Decreased resting heart rate.
Increases lung capacity
Increased amount of blood your heart can pump in a single beat.
Reduced feelings of depression

"Being active — either through physical activity or through a formal exercise program — is an essential component of a weight-loss program. When you're active, your body uses energy (calories) to work, helping to burn the calories you take in with food you eat."

If you're like most people, you have a lot of exercise and health questions. In spite of the widespread abundance of books, videos and the internet available today, many of the same questions remain unanswered in the minds of Americans. Put a True or False next to each question to see how many you get right.

1.Doing sit-ups will flatten your tummy.

2.Skinny people don't need to exercise.

3.The "Fat Burn" program on the treadmill is the best for weight loss.

4.When I stop exercising, muscle turns to fat.

5.Osteoporosis is an old-persons disease.

6.Women who strength train will get big, bulky muscles.

7. Lactic acid causes muscles to be sore the day after working out.

8.Soy protein will lower cholesterol.

9. Strength training is safe for children.

10.Eating low fat foods is best for weight loss.

11.Muscle weighs more than fat.

12.Muscle burns more calories than fat.

1. False. Abdominal exercises such as sit ups and crunches strengthen abdominal muscles but do little to reduce fat from that area. Aerobic exercise like walking or bicycling will decrease fat from the tummy better than crunches. Most ab-gizmos advertised on TV come with a low-calorie eating plan that should be followed for maximal abdominal definition and weight loss.

2. False. Skinny people also must exercise. A receptionist brought this up recently when I was in the hospital having some routine tests done. She was very thin and was convinced only overweight people have to exercise. Being thin is not the same thing as being healthy. While it's true that obesity is associated with a number of diseases, the fact remains that skinny people get heart attacks too. This woman was so skinny in fact that I pointed out to her that she might be at risk for osteoporosis.

3. False. We are usually burning a mixture of fats and carbohydrates for energy. The fat-burn program on treadmills and other cardiovascular gym equipment is based on the fact that we burn more fat at lower levels of exercise intensity. Higher intensity exercise burns more carbohydrates for fuel -and also uses more calories. The fat burn program usually holds us at about 60% of estimated maximum heart rate which is sometimes a good starting point for the person beginning an exercise program. Greater intensities and lengths of time working out will result in more calories burned-which if coupled with reductions in the number of calories eaten, promotes weight loss.

4. False. Muscle and fat are two different tissues. We cannot transform muscle into fat and fat can't turn into muscle. This myth was probably started by older athletes who, after retiring, stop exercising but to continue to eat as if they were still working out. The combination of shrinking muscles from inactivity, coupled with excess calories eaten give the illusion that muscle has been transformed into fat.

5. False.Would you believe that bone loss starts to occur around the age of 35! Osteoporosis is starting to be seen as a disease that actually begins in youth. Getting adequate calcium in the diet as well as doing resistance training when we are young can strengthen bones and offs
set the ravages of osteoporosis when we are older. Studies of seniors who strength train also show increases in bone mass. So it's ever too late to start lifting weights! If you have osteoporosis or any medical conditions, consult your physician before starting an exercise program and then get proper guidance from an exercise professional on the best exercise to stimulate bone growth.

6. False. Women lack the hormones to needed make their muscles big like that of men. Even the biggest of female bodybuilders are smaller than male bodybuilders. Women who have overly large muscles often get them because they lift very heavy weights, exercise for several hours a day, and consume many thousands of calories. Sometimes they are also blessed with muscle fibers that get bigger from strength training. Strength training is something all women should do to improve the quality and quantity of their lives!

7. False. Lactic acid, produced from the anaerobic breakdown of carbohydrates causes the feeling of muscle burning and fatigue during exercise. Studies show that most lactic acid is removed from the muscles about one hour after exercise. So, the lactic acid is not around 24-72 hrs later when muscle soreness shows up. The muscle pain that is felt 24-72 hrs after exercise is called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Studies show that most DOMS is caused by eccentric muscle contractions ("negatives" as they are sometimes called in the gym). Eccentric muscle contractions occur muscle fibers lengthen, such as when you lower a weight.

8. True. Studies show that if you have high cholesterol, consuming soy protein, when combined with a diet that is low in saturated fat can reduce total cholesterol levels by about 9%. Studies also show soy can reduce LDL, the so- called-bad cholesterol, by about 13% and lower triglycerides (blood fats) by about 11%. These effects may take 2 months before they are observed. See your doctor if you have a history of breast or bladder cancer. Some experts theorize that high levels of soy may activate these cancers. This is a controversial area of research but it is best to discuss this with your doctor to be on the safe side.

9. True. Studies do not generally show damage to growth plates or other injuries resulting from resistance training in children if they are under the guidance of a professional. Children are not miniature adults and should not lift heavy weights. Before puberty, when testosterone levels are low, children will not increase the size of their muscles from strength training. The focus should be on proper lifting technique and lighter resistances. Manual resistance, body weight resistance, dumbbells and some machines may be appropriate for children.

10. False. It's possible for a food to have almost zero fat yet be teeming with calories. Remember, its reductions in calories eaten, not fat, that causes real weight loss.

11. False. Muscle and fat weigh the same. Muscle is denser and takes up less space than fat. A pound of muscle and a pound of fat both weigh a pound.

12. True. It's estimated that a pound of muscle burns between 20 to 80 extra calories per day. Fat burns essentially zero calories. Thus, adding muscle can help you burn more calories and lose more weight.

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Weight Loss

2008-08-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

"Weight loss is a decrease in body weight resulting from either voluntary (diet, exercise) or involuntary (illness) circumstances. Most instances of weight loss arise due to the loss of body fat, but in cases of extreme or severe weight loss, protein and other substances in the body can also be depleted."

Examples of involuntary weight loss include the weight loss associated with cancer, malabsorption (such as from chronic diarrheal illnesses ), and chronic inflammation (such as with rheumatoid arthritis).

Weight loss, in the context of medicine or health or physical fitness, is a reduction of the total body weight, due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue and/or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon and other connective tissue.

Types of Weight Loss:

Unintentional weight loss

A significant loss of total body weight is a serious, chronic illness. Substantial, unintentional weight loss is a symptom of acute or chronic illness, especially if other evidence is present.

Weight loss, for example, accompanied by early satiety, bilious vomiting of partially undigested food, postprandial epigastric pain and eructation may indicate Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome. Weight loss accompanied by insatiable thirst and hunger and fatigue may indicate diabetes mellitus, a chronic disease characterized by an abnormal accumulation of carbohydrates in the bloodstream due to insufficient production of insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas that, when secreted into the bloodstream, permits cellular metabolism and utilization of glucose.

Poor management of type 1 diabetes mellitus, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), leads to an excessive amount of glucose and an insufficient amount of insulin in the bloodstream. This triggers the release of triglycerides from adipose (fat) tissue and catabolism (breakdown) of amino acids in muscle tissue. This results in a loss of both fat and lean mass, leading to a significant reduction in total body weight. Note that untreated type 1 diabetes mellitus will usually not produce weight loss, as these patients get acutely ill before they would have had time to lose weight.

Myriad of additional scientific considerations are applicable to weight loss, including but not limited to: physiological and exercise sciences, nutrition science, behavioral sciences, and other sciences.

One area involves the science of bioenergetics including biochemical and physiological energy production and utilization systems, that is frequently evidence of diabetes, and ketone bodies, acetone particles occurring in body fluids and tissues involved in acidosis, also known as ketosis, somewhat common in severe diabetes.

In addition to weight loss due to a reduction in fat and lean mass, illnesses such as diabetes, certain medications, lack of fluid intake and other factors can trigger fluid loss. And fluid loss in addition to a reduction in fat and lean mass exacerbates the risk for cachexia.

Infections such as HIV may alter metabolism, leading to weight loss.

Hormonal disruptions, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) , may also exhibit as weight loss.

In this Blog we mainly focused on the "Intentional weight loss",which include various methods.

Intentional weight loss

Weight loss refers to the loss of total body mass in an effort to improve fitness, health, and/or appearance.

Therapeutic weight loss, in individuals who are overweight or obese, can decrease the likelihood of developing diseases such as diabetes. , heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer.

Weight loss occurs when an individual is in a state of negative energy balance. When the human body is spending more energy in work and heat than it is gaining from food or other nutritional supplements, it will use stored reserves of fat or muscle.

Although weight loss may involve loss of fat, muscle or fluid, weight loss for the purposes of maintaining health should aim to lose fat while conserving muscle and fluid.

It is not uncommon for people who are already at a medically healthy weight to intentionally lose weight. In some cases it is with the goal of improving athletic performance or to meet weight classifications in a sport. In other cases, the goal is to attain a more attractively shaped body. Being underweight is associated with health risks such as difficulty fighting off infection, osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength, trouble regulating body temperature and even increased risk of death.

Therapeutic weight loss techniques

The least intrusive weight loss methods, and those most often recommended by physicians, are adjustments to eating patterns and increased physical exercise. Physicians will usually recommend that their overweight patients combine a reduction of the caloric content of the diet with an increase in physical activity.

Other methods of losing weight include use of drugs and supplements that decrease appetite, block fat absorption, or reduce stomach volume. Medicines with herbs such as Fucus vesiculosus are popular .Finally, surgery may be used in more severe cases. Bariatric surgery artificially reduces the size of the stomach, limiting the intake of food energy.

"Crash Dieting"

A crash diet is where a person willfully restricts themselves of all nourishment (except water) for more than 12 hours. The desired result is to have the body burn fat for energy with the goal of losing a significant amount of weight in a short time. Crash dieting is not the same as flexible intermittent fasting, where dieters fast for 2 days each week and calories are cycled. Generally the weight lost in a crash diet returns when normal eating resumes.

Weight loss industry

In the developed world, there is a substantial market for products which promise to make weight loss easier, quicker, cheaper, more reliable, or less painful. These include books, CDs, cremes, lotions, pills, rings and earrings, body wraps, body belts and other materials, not to mention fitness centers, personal coaches, weight loss groups, and food products and supplements. US residents in 1992 spent an estimated $30 billion a year on all types of diet programs and products, including diet foods and drinks.

Between $33 billion and $55 billion is spent annually on weight loss products and services, including medical procedures and pharmaceuticals, with weight loss centers garnering between 6 percent and 12 percent of total annual expenditure. About 70 percent of Americans' dieting attempts are of a self-help nature. Although often short-lived, these diet fads are a positive trend for this sector as Americans ultimately turn to professionals to help them meet their weight loss goals .

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