Basics of Losing Weight

 

Failed diets and out of control obesity may lead you to believe that losing weight is difficult but it is quite easy, at least on paper. The only thing you need to do is keep the calories that you burn greater than the calories that you eat. So why is this article so long?

Your first step is to figure out how many calories you are burning each day. Use the Calorie Calculator. Based on your age, sex, weight, height and activity level, it will estimate how many calories your body is burning per day. When using this calculator, keep in mind that the number you get gives you an estimate not a number that never changes day to day. It will fluctuate.

Safe weight loss is considered 1-2 pounds per week. While it is possible to lose more, it is extremely unhealthy to do so. So how many calories do you actually have to cut out of your diet?

One pound of body fat equals about 3500 calories. If you want to lose one pound in a week, you need to cut 3500 calories out of your diet per week. While this might sound like a lot, per day it comes out to a 500 calorie deficit.

Your next step is to ask yourself how you want to get rid of any unwanted weight. You can cut 500 calories out of your diet per day, or increase the amount of calories you burn by 500 calories per day. A combination of these two methods is the best way to go.

For more specific ways to lose weight, visit the Beginner's Guide to Dieting. You can also check out how others have successfully lost weight at the diet forums.

Health Poll of the Week: Why do you think most people quit their diets before losing all the weight they want? No need to register to vote or share your opinion.

Here are some topics that are currently being discussed on a host of diet and exercise issues that will help you pick the right strategy to lose some weight: