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.
