In the context of physical health, weight loss is the process of reducing body weight, typically by losing fat.
To achieve weight loss, more energy must be expended than taken in. This can be achieved by reducing the amount of food consumed, increasing physical activity or a combination of the two.
For healthy weight loss, most experts recommend a combination of healthy eating patterns and regular physical exercise.
Other methods of losing weight include the use of herbal medicines or drugs that decrease appetite and/or increase physical activity. Examples of these are fenfluoramine, ephedra, nicotine or cocaine. Surgical options are also available. Liposuction removes targeted area of fat and tissue while bariatric surgeries can result in large weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach or reducing the absorption of food energy. Surgical and drug options may have serious side-effects.
The balance of energy intake to expenditure is undoubtedly what promotes weight gain or loss. However there are many factors involved in a persons ablilty to adjust this balance and therefore lose weight. Many people have habitual conditioning and psychological issues involved which make the process of losing weight much more complicated than at first it would appear. In some cases metabolic changes can be involved that alter a persons energy requirements. Some drugs can produce metabolic or behavioral changes that encourage weight gain. People with injury or illness may find it very difficult to exercise making weight loss more difficult.
The complicating factors regarding weight loss is why many people find that they need the help and support of qualified therapists to assist them. Some of the therapies that they may consider are nutritionists, naturopaths, Chinese Medicine Practitioners, counselling and exercise therapists.
