The Best Medical Weight Loss Diets

Despite the fact that losing excess weight is being promoted from reality TV shows to manufacturers offering healthier options in the supermarket, the public continues its ongoing battle of the bulge. One problem is the amount of misleading information on infomercials and in magazines. Ads claim quick weight loss tricks while hocking the latest fat-reducing supplement, relying mostly on testimonials and colorful print. There is a safe, medically sound approach to weight loss, though, based on science and common sense.

A Word About Fad Diets

The word "diet" isn't properly applied. Instead of a program that lasts a period of time, "diet" really means what a person consumes as food on a daily basis. Many fad diets, such as those that claim eating only fruit will result in weight loss or promote eating dangerously low levels of carbohydrates, are known as "yo-yo" diets, ones that nearly always result in the dieter regaining the lost weight. The lost weight is mostly water weight and not excess body fat. A healthy diet, thus healthy weight loss, means making permanent changes in eating habits by making smarter food choices.

Medical Diets

Doctors, dieticians, and nutritionists recommend gradual weight loss, which means losing one to two-and-a-half pounds per week. Anything more is considered potentially damaging to a person's health. A medically approved diet is based on eating the appropriate amount of macronutrients and taking in the desired number of calories, which depend on the person. Typically, one shouldn't go below 1,400 calories unless under the direct supervision of a physician. Daily calories should come from plenty of fresh fruit and veggies; pre-packaged foods should be severely limited, as should refined sugars (cakes, cookies, pastries, candy, sodas) and refined flours, such as white breads, which should be replaced with whole-grain items. Saturated fats and high-sodium foods (such as fast food) should be limited, and lean meats like fish and poultry should replace fatty meats such as marbled beef. Proper eating should also coincide with regular exercise, as the combination contributes to overall weight loss and keeps the weight off.

Smart Eating

Medically approved diets are based on eating a little bit of everything and never too much of any one thing, although drinking plenty of water is encouraged. Any diets that suggests altogether avoiding important macronutrients like fats, proteins and carbs are medically unsafe and unproven. A balanced diet consisting of portions from all the food groups listed on the FDA's Food Pyramid provide enough vitamins and calories for overweight individuals to lose excess body fat. Overweight persons should seek the advice of a licensed nutritionist or dietician before beginning any weight loss program.