Benefits of Existing Knowledge About Weight Loss

Weight loss: Weight loss refers to a reduction in total body weight, usually resulting from a combination of diet and exercise. The amount of weight loss a person experience varies based on factors such as their size, age, current physical activity level and their overall health. Most cases of rapid weight loss usually arise because of the loss of excess body weight, but occasionally, especially in cases where the body's tissue is severely damaged or dried out, weight loss is accompanied by other symptoms. These symptoms may include fatigue, dehydration, anemia, anorexia, tremors, kidney stones and organ rupture. Rapid weight loss can be attributed to a number of causes; among these are aging, chronic illness and certain medications.

Gaining Gains: An uncommon condition, gaining unexplained weight loss is often accompanied by gastrointestinal upset, indigestion, gas or bloating. This can result in unintentional weight gain of ten pounds or more. Though this condition does not usually threaten life, it should still be given serious medical attention. Losing ten pounds or more in a relatively short period should prompt a visit to the doctor.

Dieting: In many cases, people who engage in dieting and exercise programs do lose weight, sometimes up to ten pounds at a time. The dieters believe that they have reached their goal when, in fact, the weight loss is simply water weight and will return when they stop dieting and begin regular exercise. This is not the way the body works. Though dieting does cause weight loss, when the dieter returns to their normal eating habits, the weight comes back. Dieting does not work if the individual cannot sustain the diet.

Regular Exercise: One of the keys to successful weight loss involves regular physical activity. To burn calories, the body needs to use up calories. The more physical activity an individual engages in, the more calories are used up and, so, the fewer calories the body needs to remain at a weight that is acceptable. Exercise also strengthens the muscles and helps the heart. Both the heart and the muscles benefit from regular exercise.

Some diets, such as the famous Atkins diet, encourage a reduction of carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates are essential for energy. Without carbohydrates, the body cannot maintain energy and, as a result, cannot perform at its best. A dieter's body weight, muscle mass, bone density, cardiovascular health and overall health are all improved when the dieter engages in physical activity on a regular basis.

It is important for people who are interested in intentional weight loss to talk with their doctors about potential hazards to their health. The doctor may recommend exercise as a substitute for dieting. As with any other form of treatment, it is critical that individuals do not overuse their new found freedom from dieting. Individuals should plan to make exercise part of their weight loss efforts. Exercising is not a replacement for dieting but it can be used to supplement dieting. Both dieting and exercise are intending to reduce the body's dependence upon unhealthy food and replace those with healthy choices.

A Smoothie Diet