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Today's sedentary and indoor lifestyle has created a situation where weight loss is an important topic for more and more people, both to achieve a healthier weight and to improve their well-being.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to lose weight healthily?
Why avoid rapid weight loss?
Different weight loss methods – Top 7 methods
Medications and supplements for weight loss
Weight loss foods and recipes

But which methods are truly effective and help achieve lasting results? There are countless different recommendations and tips on how to lose weight on the Internet, but not all of them may be effective or healthy. Effective weight loss does not always mean complicated diets or exhausting exercise programs - often the most important thing is to find an approach that suits your lifestyle.

In this article, we will highlight seven popular methods that help you lose weight. These methods will provide inspiration and guidance on how to start losing weight and maintain it long-term.

How to lose weight healthily? 

Many people search the internet for advice on “how to lose weight” or “how to lose weight”, but it is important to understand that quick fixes do not bring lasting results. Weight loss is a journey that requires awareness and healthy approach. How to lose weight in a way that results are permanent and healthy? First, it is important to understand that each person is unique and that weight loss methods that work for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it is always worth considering the specifics of your body, health concerns, and goals.  

Before starting a weight loss program, it is a good idea to assess your health. You may want to consult a doctor if necessary, especially if you have chronic illnesses or other health concerns. Knowing your ideal weight can also help you set realistic goals, as BMI calculators can help you determine.

It can also be beneficial on your weight loss journey weight loss and using sources of motivation. Whether it's support from friends or family, advice from specialists, or apps that help you track your diet and exercise – it's important to find the methods that best support you. Healthy weight loss is not a sprint, but a consistent and sustainable process, where every healthy step brings you closer to your goal.

Universal recommendations for healthy weight loss that everyone who undertakes the weight loss process should remember:

  • eat regularly and in a balanced way;
  • exercise for at least 30 minutes every day;
  • drink enough water according to your weight;
  • avoid extreme and very fast diets;
  • set realistic goals;
  • Track your progress, but don't become obsessed.

Why avoid rapid weight loss?

People are looking for solutions to lose weight quickly or how to lose weight quickly, but such methods often come with significant risks. While the internet is full of promises like “lose weight in 3 days” or “lose 10 pounds in a short time,” it’s worth understanding why you should avoid such an approach.  

Rapid weight loss methods, such as extreme diets or dehydration, do reduce weight, but often temporarily and in an unhealthy way. The body loses water and muscle mass first, not fat, which makes the results unstable. Rapid weight loss can lead to several problems:

  • loss of muscle mass;
  • slower metabolism;
  • nutrient deficiency;
  • dehydration;
  • fatigue and lack of energy;
  • the yo-yo effect, or weight fluctuations;
  • digestive problems;
  • weakened immune system.

Achieving lasting results requires commitment and lifestyle changes. Quick and temporary solutions may yield short-term results, but long-term success requires consistency and a balanced approach. Weight loss is not a sprint, but rather a marathon, where small, healthy steps lead to the goal.

Different weight loss methods – Top 7 methods

Calorie Deficit and Calorie Calculator

A calorie deficit is one of the most effective and science-based methods for losing weight. The principle is that you consume fewer calories per day than your body needs for energy. Calculating calorie deficit may be helpful calorie calculator for weight loss, which helps determine your daily energy needs and the size of the desired deficit. The calorie deficit should not be too large while following a healthy lifestyle. The deficit is calculated taking into account age, weight, height and level of physical activity. Today, several mobile applications have been created that help determine the optimal calorie deficit and calculate and track the amount of calories consumed on a daily basis. 

A calorie deficit diet doesn't have to be boring or monotonous. For example, chia seeds can be a great addition to your diet when trying to lose weight. These small seeds are low in calories but high in fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer. This can reduce the risk of overeating and support healthy weight loss.

Following a calorie deficit, combined with a healthy diet and conscious planning, helps achieve lasting results while providing flexibility and control over your diet.

Intermittent fasting

During fasting has a long tradition. Water fasting has been used as a healing and spiritual cleansing tool for thousands of years. Fasting is often associated with religious or spiritual goals. Today, fasting has increasingly become a weight loss method. The most popular of these is intermittent fasting. 

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and periods of fasting. The most popular intermittent fasting method is 16:8, where you fast for 16 hours a day, consuming only water, and eat for 8 hours. This often means that skipping breakfast and the first meal of the day is lunch. 

Intermittent fasting is seen as a positive practice because it not only helps reduce calorie intake, which leads to weight loss, but at the same time allows the body to focus on recovery and detoxification during the fasting period. Insulin sensitivity increases during fasting, which helps to better manage blood sugar levels and supports fat burning.

In addition to weight loss, intermittent fasting has been linked to a number of health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced brain function. However, it should be noted that intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain health concerns.

Keto diet

The ketogenic diet (or for short keto diet) is a low-carb, high-fat eating pattern that aims to put the body into a state called ketosis. During ketosis, the body starts burning fat for energy instead of glucose, which is normally obtained from carbohydrates. The keto diet includes plenty of high-fat foods, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish, moderate amounts of protein, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, and sugar. Following the diet can help with weight loss, stabilize blood sugar, and improve energy levels. However, The keto diet is not for everyone. and requires careful planning to avoid nutrient deficiencies.

Apple cider vinegar for weight loss

Apple cider vinegar is considered a popular natural weight loss aid. It contains acetic acid, which can boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and stabilize blood sugar levels. Studies suggest, that apple cider vinegar can reduce fat storage and help create a feeling of fullness, which can help you consume fewer calories. For weight loss, it is recommended to consume 1–2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water before meals. However, caution should be exercised, as excessive consumption can damage teeth and the digestive tract. Apple cider vinegar should be considered a dietary supplement rather than a primary means, and it works best in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.

Walking and weight loss

Physical activity plays an important role in weight loss. Exercise helps burn calories, improves overall well-being, and supports long-term health. It's important to choose a form of exercise that fits your lifestyle—whether it's walking, swimming, yoga, or strength training.  

Walking is a simple and effective way to lose weight and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Regular walking helps burn calories, improves metabolism and promotes fat burning. A 30-minute walk at a moderate pace can burn about 150-200 calories, depending on your weight and pace. In addition, walking supports heart health, reduces stress and improves your overall well-being, which helps you stay motivated on your weight loss journey. For best results, it is recommended to walk daily, combined with a healthy diet and water intake. Walking is easy to integrate into your daily routine, for example by choosing the stairs instead of the elevator or taking evening walks.

Food intolerance diet

Food intolerance is a non-allergic hypersensitivity to some food or drink, which can result in health problems of varying severity, from stomach pain to fatigue. Food intolerances Avoiding food can help you lose weight, as it helps reduce inflammation and improve digestion. When your body reacts to certain foods, such as gluten, lactose, or casein, it can cause bloating, water retention, and lack of energy. Identifying food intolerances, either through a food diary or special tests, and avoiding problematic foods is important for weight loss.

Vegetarian food

Losing weight with a vegetarian diet is a healthy and environmentally friendly way to achieve your goal. Vegetarian food are generally lower in calories and higher in fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and reduces the risk of overeating. By focusing on fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, you can get the nutrients you need without adding too many calories. It’s important to avoid processed vegetarian foods, which can be high in sugar, fat, and salt. You should also monitor your protein and healthy fat intake to maintain muscle mass and support your metabolism. It’s also important to monitor portion sizes on a vegetarian diet—even healthy foods can lead to weight gain if eaten in large quantities.

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    Medications and supplements for weight loss

    Although weight loss should ideally be achieved through a healthy diet and exercise, various medications and dietary supplements are also often used for weight loss purposes. In certain cases, their use is justified and can contribute to achieving a healthy weight and lifestyle. However, it should be remembered that medications, as well as dietary supplements, should not replace a healthy diet and a doctor should be consulted before taking any medication.

    One of the most popular weight loss medications is metformin, which is primarily used to treat diabetes, but can also help with weight loss. Metformin and weight loss are closely linked because the drug helps stabilize blood sugar levels and can therefore reduce appetite.

    Another diabetes drug that helps with weight loss that has been talked about a lot lately is OzempicIt is considered one of the most effective weight loss pills. It works by affecting digestive hormones and significantly reduces appetite, but it can only be used with a doctor's prescription and advice. 

    There are many different over-the-counter weight loss pills on the market, but their quality and safety can be questionable. Among the over-the-counter medications, laxatives are thought to be the most beneficial. Losing weight with laxatives is actually dangerous. Using laxatives consistently and for the wrong purpose can lead to serious health problems, including dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

    In terms of dietary supplements, one healthy option is chromium tablets, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cravings for sweets and food. Therefore, taking the right amount of chromium tablets can be a helpful factor in weight loss.  

    You should definitely consult a doctor before using any weight loss pills, as medications may have side effects and contraindications. However, the safest and most sustainable way to lose weight is through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

    Weight loss foods and recipes

    The basis of healthy weight loss is a balanced diet and recipes that are right for you. When asked how to lose weight, experts often say that it is important to focus on fresh and whole foods. There are no specific foods or nutrients that can help you lose weight – the main part of your diet should be balanced. Vegetables, whole grains, protein-rich foods and healthy fats should make up the majority of your diet. At the same time, it is worth reducing your consumption of sugary and processed foods.  

    Therefore, weight loss foods and recipes play an important role in the context of a balanced diet. Weight loss foods don't have to be boring! There are plenty of weight loss recipes that offer delicious and nutritious meals. Weight loss foods can be delicious and satisfying, such as chicken and avocado salad or baked vegetables with salmon. Weight loss recipes help create a varied and healthy food menu that supports your weight loss goal. The basis of healthy weight loss is a varied and nutritious diet. weight loss menu, which allows for long-term results.

    Summary

    Weight loss is an important topic, which is complicated in many ways by today's sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition. Effective weight loss does not always mean extreme diets or exhausting workouts, but rather a balanced change in lifestyle. Rapid weight loss is often temporary and unhealthy, as it can lead to muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies and other health problems. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on a healthy diet and permanent lifestyle change, combining it with regular exercise and adequate water consumption. When choosing a diet, each person must listen to their body and make the best healthy choice for themselves.

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    Vallo Põldaru

    Trainer

    Vallo is a marketer by profession, a specialist in human internet behavior, and a trainer whose favorite topics are marketing psychology, spiritual care, and sustainable mental health in today's society.
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