Losing Weight and Keeping it Off

If you think about it, losing weight is actually quite an easy task. For example, if you were to starve yourself for 2 days, you would certainly lose a few kilos.

However, most of us already know that starvation is not a successful method of long term weight loss. Why? Because after the starvation period the body ploughs the weight back on - to the point where you might actually weigh more than you did before.

So, if starvation isn't the answer, what is? We set out to investigate the best, most successful ways to lose weight.

Successfully Losing Weight

Ultimately, the only way to lose weight and keep it off in the long run is to employ proper diet and exercise routines. This means that gradually, over the course of 2 weeks or so, you cut down the total number of calories eaten, and increase the number of calories used on a daily basis.

If you are able to do this, you will no doubt see weight loss over time. The only equation in the weight loss arena is this one:

• Calories In - Calories Out = Net Weight Gain

For example, if you eat 3,000 calories in one day, and you burn 2,000 of these by running for a few minutes (plus all the other natural bodily functions using up energy), your net result would be +1,000 calories for the day.

Here, you've put on weight. It is unclear exactly how much 1 calorie weight (in terms of body fat) - however it is estimated that if you are able to burn 2,000 calories 3 times per week, you will lose 1 kilogram.

Keeping the Weight Off

It is absolutely pointless doing exercise and adhering to a strict diet if you are only going to turn around and start eating like you were before, when the diet is finished.

Whilst you will have reduced the number of calories you were consuming during the diet, resorting back to old habits will surely just result in weight gain again. Hence, to keep weight off, you need to make dieting the new habit.

For example, if you were previously drinking alcohol 5 times a week, maybe it would be good to cut down to 2 nights. That will save you calories, and therefore help you to keep weight off for the longer term.