Which Weight Loss Diet Is Most Effective?

Oct 04, 2017 Weight Loss

An effective weight loss diet should be both healthy and sustainable.  Extreme dieting usually results in extreme weight gain in the end.  

There are many different weight loss diets but all of them share the principle of eating less and exercising more. Willpower and motivation play a major role in the success of any diet.

Many people like to join slimming groups so they can feel motivated by others aiming for the same goal.  The NHS has compiled a twelve-week diet plan that provides advice and guidance on weight loss.  

Maintaining a healthy weight will increase your confidence, health and wellbeing. The tricky part of any weight loss plan is maintaining your goal weight.  A good diet incorporates weight loss and maintenance.  Here is a selection of the most popular slimming programmes.

 

Weight Watchers

Weight watchers is a holistic approach to weight loss. It is based on changing your lifestyle as well as changing your diet.  

It was established in the 1960’s by Jean Nidetch who invited her friends round to discuss the best ways to lose weight. Since then the popularity of Weight Watchers has increased and become a global brand.  

The weight loss system is based on a unique formula that calculates the amount of weight you need to lose.  There are two main approaches - a point system or eating unprocessed food based on portion sizes.  You are encouraged to lose 5% of your body weight initially and awarded badges every time you reach certain milestones.

Healthy eating and exercise are heavily encouraged.   You can join Weight Watchers online or attend group meetings.  There is also a plan for maintaining your goal weight.  

There are many branded products available but you are not obliged to use them.  It is a very successful and sensible weight loss plan that achieves the desired result. You have to pay to join Weight Watchers.

 

Slimming World

Slimming World bases its principles on the fact that you need to consume fewer calories to lose weight.  It provides a list of low-calorie filling foods that can be eaten based on portion sizes.  

There is no calorie counting involved.  Foods that don’t fit into to the healthy category are called Syns.  People are allowed a certain number of Syns a day.  This allows them to eat food when they go out and not feel inhibited by the diet.

Many food companies produce food based on the Slimming World diet which makes dieting even easier.   Exercise is also encouraged and followers are expected to do 30 minutes a day.  

Slimming World is group based and meetings are attended weekly to provide support and diet tips.  People on this diet are highly motivated and it provides a healthy weight loss structure. You have to pay to join Slimming World.

 

Free NHS Weight Loss Plan

The NHS has produced a twelve-step weight loss plan. It provides information on healthy sustainable weight loss, healthier food choices, an online community, exercise regime and maintenance support.

The plan has been devised in association with the British Dietetic Association. You can download the twelve weeks of plans which offer advice and a food chart.  There is a BMI calculator on the page and access to a calorie counter.  A weekly email can offer further motivation and support.  

As with all weight loss plans it is advised that you consult your doctor before embarking on any diet if you have medical conditions.

 

Helping Hands

Orlistat, Xenical and Alli are licenced medication used to combat obesity.  They work by binding fat together so it leaves your body efficiently.  You can only take them if your BMI is over 30.  

It is highly recommended that you follow a low-fat diet when taking these medications otherwise you will encounter unpleasant side effects.  They increase the rate at which you lose weight by removing 30% of the dietary fat you consume.

Saxenda is a self-injectable weight loss aid pen which is prescribed for weight loss. Saxenda works in a few ways to do this. It makes you feel less hungry, slows down the movement of food out of the stomach and makes you feel fuller for longer. 

Whilst using Saxenda you will need to consume a reduced-calorie diet and increase your physical activity to maximise results.

These weight loss treatments are prescription only and will have to be taken under your doctor’s supervision.  If you have reached a plateau in losing weight they can provide a good kick start. You can look into each weight loss plan to find the one that suits you the most.  Once you are prepared to change your lifestyle and start dieting you can change your life.  

 

By Birpal Virdee (March 2018)