What Works

Three of the latest, greatest studies on what really helps when it comes to weight loss—and why keeping a food diary can be crucial.

By Barbara Kantrowitz and Pat Wingert | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Jul 8, 2008 | Updated: 6:11  a.m. ET Jul 8, 2008

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  • Posted By: Jenny63 @ 10/23/2009 4:34:13 PM

    The <a href="http://hcg-diet.com>hcg diet</a> has been very effective also!

  • Posted By: JhetBhlak @ 05/22/2009 12:17:59 PM

    I've done most of what was talked about in this article. It has actually worked out pretty well for me. The food diary really does help. And because I've been keeping one I know that the weekends I eat more calories too. Generally what I do is average my calories, fat, etc for a whole week and look at what I've had too much of. I've been doing it for about 15 weeks now. I lost a little over 11 lbs and I've kept it off. Setting achievable goals was a big help too.

    http://blog.calorie-help.com/2009/05/01/weight-loss-whats-worked-for-me/

  • Posted By: Boka @ 07/08/2008 10:00:44 AM

    This article didn't say what works. I'll tell you what works keep your body moving and have lots of sex. Don't worry about food. Eat and enjoy your life and your sweetie.

    • Posted By: Libricrat @ 01/09/2009 6:36:37 PM

      I like your way of thinking. Since I happen to think big girls beautiful, I hate so much how thin obsessed our society has gotten. I women everywhere could realize how much more sexy they are at 200lbs compared to 150lbs. I do understand the health issues and I undestand getting in better shape because it makes you feel better. Just don't loose wieght because you think you're "not pretty" or because " I'm just not cool". Just be yourself and know that big is beatiful to at least 1 in 5 of us.

      • Posted By: chesterdandme @ 03/17/2009 7:59:36 PM

        Its refreshing to know that everynow and again there's a guy out there who goes for real women. I figured the sticks can't get all the guys, cause I've never been real small, but not medically obese either, and I do dress nice, wear makeup, etc, and have never had a problem getting a boyfriend. And I've been happily married for the last two years to the love of my life who adores me just the way I am, and because of the confidence I've gained, I actually lost 30 pounds!

  • Posted By: marshah @ 01/15/2009 3:03:32 PM

    I'd be really careful about daily weighing. Tends to get people obsessed, especially as it is normal for weight to fluctuate within a small range (but as high as 5 pounds).

  • Posted By: Jaray24 @ 01/02/2009 5:44:50 PM

    The best diet is, EAT LESS MOVE MORE!!!! Try it for a month and see how you feel.

  • Posted By: Dr Kharazyan @ 07/24/2008 10:14:27 AM

    Some interesting new research by a doctor has identified several species of parasites and a specific type of goopy plaque that if left in your bowels makes you fat, bloated, developing a pouch and spare-tire belly.

    This is the cause of people???s obesity -- fortunately, this research also reveals how to stop it. It further explains that the same cause of why people get fat is also the same reason why people eventually get sick and die prematurely -- often cutting off years from their lives (not to mention the quality of their lives).

    People who flush these parasites out, often report rapid weight losses up to 100 lbs or more -- and without changing a single thing about their diets. Not that you need to lose anywhere near that amount... but it does prove how well it works.

    For more information please visit http://www.thefatlosssecret.blogspot.com/

  • Posted By: Dr Kharazyan @ 07/24/2008 10:13:20 AM

    Some interesting new research by a doctor has identified several species of parasites and a specific type of goopy plaque that if left in your bowels makes you fat, bloated, developing a pouch and spare-tire belly.

    This is the cause of people???s obesity -- fortunately, this research also reveals how to stop it. It further explains that the same cause of why people get fat is also the same reason why people eventually get sick and die prematurely -- often cutting off years from their lives (not to mention the quality of their lives).

    People who flush these parasites out, often report rapid weight losses up to 100 lbs or more -- and without changing a single thing about their diets. Not that you need to lose anywhere near that amount... but it does prove how well it works.

    For more information please visit http://www.thefatlosssecret.blogspot.com/

  • Posted By: Micky Marsh @ 07/12/2008 3:21:35 PM

    Become an outdoor person and you'll stay in shape and keep moving. It wont kill you just make sure you get some rest.

  • Posted By: sjbrock80 @ 07/09/2008 3:58:21 PM

    I'm a littl chubby and may die early, but I'm happy with my life, so I don't care. Life is about enjoying yourself, even if it means dying younger than the average person.

  • Posted By: mickchev @ 07/08/2008 2:53:44 PM

    >>Is the obesity epidemic really a great mystery?
    Er, no and it has zero, nada, zip to with overeating or how much exercise you do, both of which are rather stupid myths. Eat from the atkins diet as much as you want and you will never put weight on. Eat sugary, starchy food and even if you eat 1500 cals per day you will be able to pack on the lbs. There are a couple books around that explain it but good calories, bad calories is probably the best researched. read it and change your mind.

    • Posted By: GrogInOhio @ 07/09/2008 12:02:52 PM

      Ya know... I tried Atkins for a year. And GAINED weight. I'm of the opinion that different things work for different people. I found I simply had to get off my butt and get moving.

    • Posted By: kshortSD @ 07/08/2008 5:37:41 PM

      There may be some true to this, but generally speaking, I'd be willing to bet that the main culprit behind most weight gain is eating too much. When one is overwhelmed by all the weight loss plans and theories, counting calories can help you get a grip on PORTIONS and educate us on how much we really should be eating in a day. That's all. It's pretty basic, but I think it's a great way for people to start. And I would challenge your theory that one can sustain on the Atkins diet without watching their portions and never gain weight (unless you actually achieve ketosis, which is not healthy for any length of time).

  • Posted By: skinnyminny2 @ 07/09/2008 9:19:52 AM

    Well, duh. Ask any anorexic--keeping track of calories works. Most people don't want to account for what they put in their mouths and prefer to remain in denial. Programs like Excel work great--can track calories in, bmr, and workout burn and pattern deficits.

  • Posted By: mray65 @ 07/09/2008 1:40:01 AM

    My favorite site for tracking my diet is NutriMirror (http://www.nutrimirror.com). It counts your calories and tells you how exactly how much you can eat to reach your weight goal, but what I find best about it is how aware it makes me of the nutritional value of all the foods I eat. And knowing exactly where I stand in relation to what I need for good nutrition makes it easy to enjoy an occasional guilt-free splurge when I've earned it.

  • Posted By: Apolitical @ 07/08/2008 6:05:50 PM

    What an interesting twist of irony! Right at the end of the article is an ad for McDonald's Angus Chipotle BBQ Bacon.

  • Posted By: Borlock @ 07/08/2008 3:37:06 PM

    The whole: "conscious decision to eat poorly'" is where the myth lies.

    It's easy to think that a person has full control over when and what they eat and that eating is always a completely conscious act. However, you can't control eating habbits for any extended period of time, any more than you can stop breathing for any extended period of time.

    Control your body chemistry - don't try and control a person's mind or actions. Fighting against millions of years of evolution will have you on the losing side every time.

    • Posted By: kshortSD @ 07/08/2008 5:41:46 PM

      I disagree. I've been controlling what I eat my entire life. Every bite I take is my responsibility. Sure, sometimes I eat pizza. Or ice cream. Or birthday cake. But I eat a healthy breakfast everyday, and pack a healthy lunch and snacks to take to work. And I cook a healthy dinner most nights of the week. On the weekend I make a CONSCIOUS decision to relax a little. However, the more healthy my diet becomes, the less I want to eat crap. The problem lies with people who treat their bodies like a garbage dump and eat whatever they crave (which is probably fast food if that is what they are used to eating) on impulse without any thought about a better choice.

  • Posted By: auntwewe @ 07/08/2008 4:22:14 PM

    I have to come clean-I am one of those people out there who hates how much I weigh but never do anything different to change my circumstances. It is sad really. I know that in order to be at a healthy weight I must eat healthy and exercise healthy. I know that there is not a magic pill out there that is going to allow me to eat fast food for every meal and still help me to lose weight. I know all of this. However, when I am craving an ice cream bar, I want a daggum ice cream bar!!! Oh Lord, please help me!!!

    • Posted By: kshortSD @ 07/08/2008 5:31:57 PM

      I don't know if you've tried it, but I find that when I stop eating sweets, they lose their appeal.

  • Posted By: kshortSD @ 07/08/2008 2:26:28 PM

    It's amazing to me that we are still seeing articles like this one. Is the obesity epidemic really a great mystery? Clearly, some people have made a conscious decision to eat poorly and be inactive. Yes, we are confronted with an increasing number of "temptations" and restaurant portions are out of control. But we ALL have the ability to be mindful and make good decisions. How should we live? Eat only when we're hungry. Stop when we're full. Find a few forms of exercise that we enjoy and make it a part of our lives DAILY. It really shouldn't be that hard...

  • Posted By: GrogInOhio @ 07/08/2008 1:38:55 PM

    I've lost 60 lbs in 10 months. Recording both calories in AND out works best for me. Though this article seemed targeted to women, I was a chubby lazy man topping out at 230+ and now weigh 172. Physical exercise 7 days a week, with very rare days off, elimination of sodas and other empty calories and paying close attention by recording everything worked for me.

  • Posted By: DRinTO @ 07/08/2008 7:44:13 AM

    Employers institute employee weight loss programs because their insurance costs have increased and their carriers have "suggested" to them that by rolling out approved health promotion programs, they will receive a reduction in their rates.
    Info here - http://healthhabits.wordpress.com/2008/05/27/corporate-workplace-fitness-has-your-desk-been-replaced-by-a-treadmill/

  • Posted By: DRinTO @ 07/08/2008 7:43:33 AM

    Employers institute employee weight loss programs because their insurance costs have increased and their carriers have "suggested" to them that by rolling out approved health promotion programs, they will receive a reduction in their rates.
    Info here - http://healthhabits.wordpress.com/2008/05/27/corporate-workplace-fitness-has-your-desk-been-replaced-by-a-treadmill/

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