FAQs About Dieting

Dieting is a concept that is on most people's minds at one time or another. There are hundreds of different diet plans, many of which are extremely popular. Before dieting, it is a good idea to sort through the conflicting opinions and research and consult a physician to find the plan that is ideal for you.

Q: How do diets work?

A: Most diets share the basic idea of restricting calorie intake. Many plans also include various tips, tricks, exercise requirements and recipe guides to make the diet easier to follow. Some go so far as to restrict the dieter from eating an entire group of foods, such as cutting out carbohydrates or fat-containing foods. These types of food group-resitricting diets are usually considered fad diets.

Q: Do they actually work?

A: Many experts say that about 80 to 95 percent of all dieters are unable to reach their weight loss goals. Most of these people are pursuing fad diets. Initially there is weight loss, but it usually is regained within a few months. Fad diets are extremely ineffective and for the best results, you should consult a dietician or physician to create a tailored plan for your body type.

Q: Which diets are most successful?

A: All diet plans claim high success rates. The problem is that most of these claims are simply unproven. It is difficult to quantify the success of any diet, due to differences in each dieters genetics, health condition, lifestyle and more. This is why consulting a professional that can help tailor an individual plan is recommended.

Q: What is the best approach?

A: Most physicians agree that the correct approach to health is food consumption in moderation, balanced with an active lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, dairy and low-fat foods is key. Combine that with at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and you are well on your way to improving health and maintaining a healthy weight.