Professional Weight Loss

   Weight loss, in the context of medicine, health, or physical fitness, refers to a reduction of the total body mass, by a mean loss of fluid, body fat or lean mass. Weight loss can either occur unintentionally because of malnutrishment or an underlying disease, or from a conscious effort to improve an actual or perceived overweight or obese state. Weight loss in individuals who are overweight or obese can reduce health risk, increase fitness, and may delay the onset of diabetes. It could reduce pain and increase movement in people with osteoartheitis of the knee. Weight loss is achieved by adopting a lifestyle in which fewer calories are consumed than are expected. Depression, stress or boredom may contribute to unwanted weight gain or loss depending on the individual. For weight loss to be permanent, changes in diet and lifestyle must be permanent as well. There is evidence that counseling or exercise alone do not result in weight loss, whereas dieting alone results in meaningful long-term weight loss, and a combination of dieting and exercise provides the best results.

     The least intrusive weight loss menthods, and those most often recommended, are adjustments to eating patterns and increase physical activity, generally in the form of exercise. The world Health Organization recommends that people combine a reduction of processed foods high in saturated fats, sugar and salt, and reduce caloric intake with an increase in physical activity. Self monitoring of diet, exercise, and weight are beneficial strategies for weight loss.