Weight Reduction
Is weight reduction right for you?
Safe weight reduction takes time and effort, but by making lifestyle
changes that incorporate proper nutrition and physical activity, you can
lose and maintain your weight for the long-term.
Before making changes, it is a good idea to think about several important questions:
Why do you want to lose weight? To improve your health or your appearance? Is it for a special event? Permanent, safe weight reduction takes time.
Do you really need to lose weight? We weren't all born to be thin or conform to society's definition of the ideal body. Your body size and shape depend on multiple factors, including your genes, eating patterns, Resting Energy Expenditure (see definition below) and exercise. You may want to accept and Love Your Body while trying to improve your health.
What is a realistic amount of weight for you to lose and maintain? For individuals who are overweight, just a 5-10% weight loss can improve health.
Before making changes, it is a good idea to think about several important questions:
Why do you want to lose weight? To improve your health or your appearance? Is it for a special event? Permanent, safe weight reduction takes time.
Do you really need to lose weight? We weren't all born to be thin or conform to society's definition of the ideal body. Your body size and shape depend on multiple factors, including your genes, eating patterns, Resting Energy Expenditure (see definition below) and exercise. You may want to accept and Love Your Body while trying to improve your health.
What is a realistic amount of weight for you to lose and maintain? For individuals who are overweight, just a 5-10% weight loss can improve health.
Physiology of weight reduction:
To lose weight you must burn more calories than you eat. Basic body
functions (e.g. breathing, manufacturing cells and maintaining body
temperature) use 50-70% of your calories. The rate at which your body
uses calories for basic body functions is called the Resting Energy Expenditure (REE).
Your genes, age, gender and body composition largely determine your REE. In this way, much of your energy use is predetermined. However, the amount of energy you burn each day also depends in part on how much exercise you get, which you can affect.
For safe weight loss, it is recommended that you lose no more than 1-2 pounds per week. To lose one pound per week, you would need to burn and/or reduce your intake by about 3500 calories, or about 500 calories per day.
Your genes, age, gender and body composition largely determine your REE. In this way, much of your energy use is predetermined. However, the amount of energy you burn each day also depends in part on how much exercise you get, which you can affect.
For safe weight loss, it is recommended that you lose no more than 1-2 pounds per week. To lose one pound per week, you would need to burn and/or reduce your intake by about 3500 calories, or about 500 calories per day.
Tips for safe weight reduction:
- Keep a food and exercise diary. People who log their intake and activity tend to be more successful at weight loss. Here are some free tools: ChooseMyPlate.gov, LoseIt.com, FitDay.com, MyFitnessPal (use the phone app to access information about foods in Residential Dining)
- Eat a variety of plant-based foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. At each meal, cover one-half (or more) of your plate with vegetables and/or fruits, cover one-quarter with whole grains, and cover one-quarter with protein.
- Eat regularly timed meals (especially breakfast) and snacks because skipping them can lead to overeating later in the day.
- When you feel like you have eaten enough, stop.
- Often cravings disappear, so if you still feel hungry or unsatisfied after a meal or snack, wait at least 10 minutes before you have more food.
- Plan meals and prepare snacks ahead of time. Snack on fresh vegetables for crunch and fresh fruits to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Limit the amount of alcohol (beer, wine and liquor) that you drink.
- Try to limit screen time (computers or television) to two hours or less per day. Increase physical activity instead.
- Sleep 8-8.5 hours per night. Studies show that lack of sleep is linked to obesity.
- Eat your favorite high-calorie foods like desserts less frequently and in smaller portions (you don't have to eliminate them altogether).
- Know your daily calorie and serving size "budget." Any weight reduction plan should include more than 1400 calories per day. Take care when eating out, because restaurants are notorious for large serving size.
Physical activity:
Regular physical activity has many benefits. It can help with losing
and maintaining weight; increasing Resting Energy Expenditure (REE);
strengthening, toning and shaping muscles; and improving mood. Three
types are recommended:
- Aerobic exercise
- Strength-training
- Flexibility
Less safe methods of weight loss:
Before trying a new diet, consult a clinician or dietitian.
Low-calorie diets: It is harmful to reduce your daily calorie intake lower than 1400 calories per day, because your body adjusts to a semi-starvation state and looks for alternative sources of energy. In addition to burning fat, your body will eventually burn muscle tissue. Because your heart is a muscle, prolonged starvation will weaken it and interfere with its normal rhythms. Low-calorie diets don't meet the body's nutrition needs, and without nutrients your body cannot function normally.
Appetite-suppressant drugs and other diet pills:"Wonder" products that permanently reduce weight do not exist. Products that promise immediate or effortless weight loss will not work in the long run. Appetite suppressants, which often contain a stimulant like caffeine or hoodia, are associated with side effects including nausea, nasal dryness, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, insomnia and elevated blood pressure. Alli reduces fat absorption; following the package directions will reduce risk of side effects, which may include oily diarrhea and anal discharge. With any product, side effects may be worse if you exceed the recommended dosage.
Fad diets: Many fad diets emphasize eating a lot of one kind of food rather than a variety of foods, but eating a variety of foods ensures that you can obtain all the nutrients your body needs.
Liquid diets: Liquid diet drinks or shakes that provide less than 1000 calories per day should only be used under close medical supervision.
Low-calorie diets: It is harmful to reduce your daily calorie intake lower than 1400 calories per day, because your body adjusts to a semi-starvation state and looks for alternative sources of energy. In addition to burning fat, your body will eventually burn muscle tissue. Because your heart is a muscle, prolonged starvation will weaken it and interfere with its normal rhythms. Low-calorie diets don't meet the body's nutrition needs, and without nutrients your body cannot function normally.
Appetite-suppressant drugs and other diet pills:"Wonder" products that permanently reduce weight do not exist. Products that promise immediate or effortless weight loss will not work in the long run. Appetite suppressants, which often contain a stimulant like caffeine or hoodia, are associated with side effects including nausea, nasal dryness, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, insomnia and elevated blood pressure. Alli reduces fat absorption; following the package directions will reduce risk of side effects, which may include oily diarrhea and anal discharge. With any product, side effects may be worse if you exceed the recommended dosage.
Fad diets: Many fad diets emphasize eating a lot of one kind of food rather than a variety of foods, but eating a variety of foods ensures that you can obtain all the nutrients your body needs.
Liquid diets: Liquid diet drinks or shakes that provide less than 1000 calories per day should only be used under close medical supervision.
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