Altering dietary proportions of fat, protein, carbohydrate, using macronutrient substitutes, and taking vitamins, diet supplements or meal replacements are all techniques to modify food intake. Physician supervision is recommended, however, to prevent adverse side effects, such as excessive loss of lean body mass, particularly in individuals with chronic health problems such as hypertension. Exercising is another way to lose weight, although the average weight loss from exercise alone is 4-7 lb. Regular workouts are advantageous to increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lean body mass, and diminishing rapid weight gain. Along with changing eating patterns and increasing physical activity, behavior modification produces gradual change.
Drug treatment is another method used for weight loss.
With prolonged use, however, loss of weight is minimized as it reaches a plateau. Some side effects are common. Successful weight loss involves a combination of these methods that are suitable to the individual in a slow and steady process. Remember who won the race. Fraser G. Preventive Cardiology.