Diet Programs - Do They Work?

Diet Programs Are Calorie Controlled Eating Plans

Most diet programs are simply calorie-controlled eating plans. They usually provide between 1000 and 1500 calories, per day, which is LESS CALORIES than most people need if they are overweight. So Yes, diet programs should help you to lose weight.

Diet Programs Rely on Calories IN vs. Calories OUT

The science of diet programs is fairly straightforward. If you eat fewer calories than you need ('calorie-deficit'), your body uses up calories that are stored in your body. This is mostly fat, but it may include muscle. Sometimes up to 25 percent of weight loss may be muscle loss. Whatever diet programs you follow, in order to lose 1 pound of weight, you need to create a calorie-deficit of about 3500 calories. So, if you burn 2000 calories a day, but only eat 1500 calories (calorie deficit of 500 calories per day), you will lose 1 pound of weight every week.

Effective Diet Programs Recommend Diet and Exercise

You can create a calorie deficit by eating less, or by exercising more, or by doing a combination of both. The latter approach to weight loss helps you to lose weight faster AND keep it off. That's why diet programs that recommend sensible eating PLUS regular exercise are usually more effective for weight loss.

Healthy Diet Programs Recommend ALL Food Groups

In order to lose weight fast and stay healthy, your body needs it's full requirement of vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients. Without good diet nutrition your body may become sluggish and inefficient. This is why healthy diet programs are based on ALL food groups. Because if you miss out a whole food group (e.g. carbs), you are likely to take in fewer nutrients. Fad diets often suggest that dieters focus on eating a narrow range of foods. These diet programs are less healthy and therefore less effective for long term weight loss. For more advice about dieting, see Weight Loss Programs Advice.