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Prescription weight-loss drugs

Examine the pros and cons of medication to treat obesity.

Are you an adult who is overweight or obese and has serious health problems because of your weight? Have you tried diet and exercise but haven't been able to achieve significant weight loss? If you answered yes to these questions, then a prescription weight-loss drug might be an option for you.

You should know, however, that prescription weight-loss drugs are used in addition to not instead of diet and exercise.

Your doctor may consider weight-loss drugs for you if you haven't been able to lose weight through diet and exercise and you meet one of the following:

Before selecting a medication for you, your doctor will consider your health history, possible drug side effects and potential interactions with medications you're already taking.

It's important to note, however, that weight-loss drugs aren't for everyone. For example, prescription weight-loss drugs shouldn't be used by women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant or women who are breast-feeding.

All prescription weight-loss drugs approved for long-term use produce significant weight loss compared with placebo. In addition, studies show that the addition of weight-loss medication to lifestyle changes results in greater weight loss than lifestyle changes alone produce.

Over the course of 12 months, that can mean a weight loss of 3 to 7 percent of total body weight beyond that achieved with lifestyle changes alone. That may seem like a modest amount, but sustained weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of total body weight can have health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, blood sugar and triglyceride levels.

Mild side effects, such as nausea, constipation or diarrhea, are common, but may lessen over time. Rarely, serious side effects can occur. For this reason, it's important to thoroughly discuss medication options with your doctor.

Weight-loss drugs can be expensive and are not always paid for by insurance. Check with your insurance company to learn about coverage for each medication option.

How long you will need to take weight-loss medication depends on whether the drug helps you lose weight and whether you have any side effects. If you have lost enough weight to improve your health and aren't having serious side effects, your doctor may suggest that you stay on the medication indefinitely.

If you don't lose at least 5 percent of your body weight after 12 weeks on the full dose of your medication, your doctor will probably change your treatment plan or consider using a different weight-loss medication.

After stopping weight-loss medication, many people gain back some of the weight they lost. However, adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help limit weight gain.

Five medications have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use: bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), lorcaserin (Belviq), orlistat (Xenical) and phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia).

Most prescription weight-loss drugs work by decreasing appetite or increasing feelings of fullness, and some do both. The exception is orlistat, which works by interfering with absorption of fat.

Bupropion-naltrexone is a combination drug. Naltrexone is used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. Bupropion is an antidepressant and quit-smoking aid. Like all antidepressants, bupropion carries a warning about suicide risk. Bupropion-naltrexone can raise blood pressure, and monitoring is necessary at the start of treatment. Common side effects include nausea, headache and constipation.

Liraglutide is also used to manage diabetes. Unlike other weight-loss drugs, liraglutide is administered by injection. Nausea is a common complaint, and vomiting may limit its use.

Lorcaserin initially raised concerns because it works somewhat like fenfluramine a drug that was withdrawn from the market because it damaged heart valves. However, there is no evidence that lorcaserin damages heart valves. Lorcaserin is typically well-tolerated. Possible side effects include headache, nausea and back pain.

Orlistat can cause bothersome gastrointestinal side effects, such as flatulence and loose stools. It's necessary to follow a low-fat diet when taking this medication. Orlistat is also available in a reduced-strength form without a prescription (Alli). Rare cases of serious liver injury have been reported. However, no cause-and-effect relationship has been established.

Phentermine-topiramate is a combination of an anticonvulsant (topiramate) and a weight-loss drug (phentermine). Phentermine has the potential to be abused because of its amphetamine-like effects. Other possible side effects include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, constipation and nervousness. Topiramate increases the risk of birth defects.

Phentermine as a single agent (Adipex-P) is also used for weight loss. It's one of four weight-loss drugs approved for short-term use (less than 12 weeks). This group of drugs isn't widely prescribed because of the limited duration of use, side effects and potential for abuse. The exception is phentermine. It's commonly prescribed and the actual rate of abuse appears to be low.

Weight-loss drugs aren't an easy answer to weight loss, but they can be a tool to help you adopt the lifestyle changes you need to lose weight and improve your health.

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Indication

CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weightoff.

CONTRAVE is not approved to treat depression or other mental illnesses, or to help people quit smoking (smoking cessation).

Please see Full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, forCONTRAVE.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call1-800-FDA-1088.

One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE, bupropion, may increase the risk of suicidal thinking in children, adolescents, and young adults. CONTRAVE patients should be monitored for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In patients taking bupropion for smoking cessation, serious neuropsychiatric adverse events have been reported. CONTRAVE is not approved for use in children under the age of18.

Stop taking CONTRAVE and call a healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: thoughts about suicide or dying; attempts to commit suicide; depression; anxiety; feeling agitated or restless; panic attacks; trouble sleeping (insomnia); irritability; aggression, anger, or violence; acting on dangerous impulses; an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania); other unusual changes in behavior ormood.

Do not take CONTRAVE if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure; have or have had seizures; use other medicines that contain bupropion such as WELLBUTRIN, APLENZIN or ZYBAN; have or have had an eating disorder; are dependent on opioid pain medicines or use medicines to help stop taking opioids such as methadone or buprenorphine, or are in opiate withdrawal; drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking; are allergic to any of the ingredients in CONTRAVE; or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Before taking CONTRAVE, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbalsupplements. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking CONTRAVE unless your healthcare provider says it is okay.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you have: depression or other mental illnesses; attempted suicide; seizures; head injury; tumor or infection of brain or spine; low blood sugar or low sodium; liver or kidney problems; high blood pressure; heart attack, heart problems, or stroke; eating disorder; drinking a lot of alcohol; prescription medicine or street drug abuse; are 65 or older; diabetes;pregnant; or breastfeeding.

CONTRAVE may cause serious side effects, including:

The most common side effects of CONTRAVE include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, anddiarrhea.

These are not all the possible side effects of CONTRAVE. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not goaway.

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#1 Branded Weight Loss Pills | CONTRAVE (naltrexone HCl ...

Whether youre struggling with a slowing metabolism, more sedentary behavior, or youve let your eating habits slip, once you hit the age of 50, weight loss can become challenging.

Combine those factors with an injury or medical problems, and hitting the gym to maintain your waistline might feel downright impossible.

Research shows that weight loss after 50 is still possible byhealthy habits and regular exercise, among other smart choices. Youre probably making these 4 mistakes.

Our experts share six ways to lose weight after 50 so that you can feel as good as you look.

As we age, we are at higher risk for weight gain, due to our metabolism decreasing and hormones changing, explains Kirsten David, a dietitian with EduPlated.

There are certain foods you should avoid at all costs. This one spikes your blood sugar by 150%.

There are also many mental and social barriers over [the age of] 50 that can prevent us from losing weight, as well. Start making healthy changes now and form new healthy habits to prevent weight gain from happening.

David says that many people over the age of 50 go out to eat more frequently because theres less of a need to cook due to children being grown and out of the house.

However, this leads to higher consumption of processed foods and high-fat foods, so its much better to cook and eat at home whenever possible.

Tip: Rely on meal planningas a tool each week will help you stay on track with your diet.

Looking for workouts you can do? Download the Aaptiv app today for workouts if youre over 50.

According to Health and Wellness Coach Mike Ferreri, food is about 85 percent of the battle when it comes to weight lossso getting your intake just right matters quite a bit.

Consuming a well-balanced diet and eating regularly throughout the day will help with keeping your metabolism high and aid in weight loss, says David.

Eating more whole foods, such as high fiber vegetables and fruit, and limiting processed foods will help your body slow down the release of sugar into the bloodstream, which decreases the risk of accumulating extra fat. Remember, you cant eat like you are 20-years-old anymore! So, get rid of the junk food in your pantry and make small changes to add more whole foods to your diet. The fewer ingredients a food contains, the better it is for your health and weight.

Youll want to make sure that youre getting enough protein, adds Dr. Keith Ayoob, an associate clinical professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He says most people after the age of 50 do typically eat a decent amount of protein, but not always early in the day when they most need it.

The same is true for calcium and vitamin D, so he recommends loading up with a balanced breakfast each day and enjoying items like Greek yogurt and milk to make up the difference.

Some research even indicates that a high-protein breakfastcan directly impact weight management or weight loss, too.

Eat a properly combined breakfast with protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, says Miriam Amselem, a Florida-based 52-year-old holistic nutritionist and yoga teacher.

Breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day and helps with metabolism. An example of a healthy breakfast is one cup of 0 percent fat yogurt with half a cup of blueberries and a dash of honey or an egg white omelet with half a small avocado and a slice of multigrain bread.

Additionally, Certified Health Coach John Vercelletto pushes back on the low-fat fad, popular with individuals past the age of 50.

He says that our bodies need healthy dietary fat, like avocados, olive oil, and butter, but low-fat products often increase sugarwhich, by now, most of us realize isnt good for our health. Dr. Ayoob seconds this mindset, and simply suggests watching portion sizes when it comes to good fats like avocados or nuts.

As a now 55-year-old, I do hit the gym a little differently than the 25-year-olds, laughs Ferreri.

When I was younger, I was much more flexible, had more lean muscle mass, and my heart and lung health was typically stronger. I could walk into the gym and start to throw the weights around, or get on the treadmill, crank it up, and immediately start to run at an 8.0 pace.

Now, he does things a little differently. He takes approximately 20 minutes to warm up and stretch prior to starting his weight training routine to try to eliminate or reduce injury. He also added this device into his routine.

Strength training increases your muscle strength and improves your mobility.

Ferreri also favors strength training over cardio for the 50+ crowd, especially those looking to slim down in a sustainable way.

Although cardio is super important for heart and lung health, it is not a great way to lose weight and keep it off, he says.

When you stop doing large amounts of cardio, the weight will quickly return. Having cardio as part of your overall fitness routine is a must; however, strength training should be the first factor when you hit the gym. Strength training not only increases your muscle strength, but it will help to improve your mobility and it is also the only thing (along with proper nutrients) known to increase bone density.

Check out the strength training classes that Aaptiv offers by downloading the app!

However, do understand that it may seem harder to gain muscle as you age, says Dr. David Greuner of NYC Surgical Associates, due to hormone changes, age-related illness, and even social factors like a busy schedule.

In his opinion, cardio will burn off fat, but to build sturdy muscles, choose heavy weights with a small number of reps or lighter weights with more reps. Also, remember diet and exercise go hand-in-hand for overall health and strength, especially as the years tick by.

Weight-bearing exercises help with building and maintaining muscle mass, as well as building bone strength and decreasing your risk for osteoporosis, says David.

Many people over [the age of] 50 will stop exercising regularly, due to pain in their joints or back or injury, but dont give up! Find a professional that can help get you back on track, and aim to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity [in] a week to help maintain your muscle mass and a healthy weight.

Amselem tells her clients to strive for a combination of aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, or dancing for 45 minutes each day with strength training exercises three times a week. She also likes yoga (for balance), stretching, and relaxation.

Dr. Ayoob concurs and wishes more people would prioritize daily activitylike low-impact cardio workouts on the stair climber or elliptical machinesin order to send their bodies a message to keep moving. (Of course, be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise routine.)

Find the best workouts for you based on your goals here.

Whats one poor decision that David sees people over the age of 50 making all the time? Skipping meals, most likely because of a decreased metabolism.

As we age, our hormones change, she says. Estrogen and testosterone gradually decrease over time, which leads to fat accumulation due to the body not processing sugar, as well. We also lose more muscle mass as we age, causing our resting metabolic rate to decrease. However, skipping meals can cause you to be deficient in important key nutrients needed as we age, such as overall calories and protein. Eating regularly throughout the day and getting enough calories/protein will help with higher energy levels and maintain muscle mass, which means a higher metabolism.

But, Vercelletto argues that theres no rule that says you must eat three meals a day, either. Hes also not a fan of snacking since it encourages people to graze on food all day long.

Instead, he says its okay to eat less than three meals a day, but be sure to stay hydrated with plenty of fluids, like water, coffee, or tea.

One of the biggest complaints of those over [the age of] 50 is lack of sleep, notes Amselem.

Sleep is key to healthy weight since two hormones, leptin and ghrelin, are released during sleep and they play a major role in appetite regulation. Lack of sleep disrupts the process and causes metabolic dysfunction in which the body confuses fatigue [with] hungernot a good thing! My recommendation is to get seven to eight hours of sleep and, if needed, take a low dosage of melatoninfor help.

Age does impact weight loss for both women and men, and thats because metabolism slows down, hormone levels decline, plus there is a loss of muscle mass, says Amselem.

But that doesnt mean that losing weight over age [the age of] 50 is mission impossible. Diet and exercise are key; however, the common mistake I see is that people eat and work out in the same exact way [that] they [did] when they were younger and wonder why they dont see results. Those over [the age of] 50 cannot eat and train in the same way they did when they were 30. You have to shift to get results.

Luckily, diet and exercise changes are generally within your control, says Dr. Ayoob. Make gradual adjustments to promote balanced eating, rather than falling prey to fad diets, and remind yourself of the benefits of exercise for your heart, digestive tract, and mental health, in addition to weight management.

Create a mindset of wellness, advises Vercelletto. Being over [the age of] 50 is not a death sentencein fact, many of us now have more time to take care of ourselves. Having a healthy weight, eating properly, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption is all super important. We are not getting any younger, but we aint dead yet.

Take your fitness to the next level with our workout app, Aaptiv. Your future self will be happy you did.

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6 Effective Ways To Lose Weight After 50 - aaptiv.com

Simple changes to your lifestyle can help you lose weight and keep it off.

Sure, you can lose weight quickly. There are plenty of fad diets that work to shed pounds rapidly -- while leaving you feeling hungry and deprived. But what good is losing weight only to regain it? To keep pounds off permanently, it's best to lose weight slowly. And many experts say you can do that without going on a "diet." Instead, the key is making simple tweaks to your lifestyle.

One pound of fat -- is equal to 3,500 calories. By shaving 500 calories a day through dietary and exercise modifications, you can lose about a pound a week. If you only need to maintain your current weight, shaving 100 calories a day is enough to avoid the extra 1-2 pounds most adults gain each year.

Adopt one or more of these simple, painless strategies to help lose weight without going on a "diet":

WebMD Weight Loss Clinic-Feature

SOURCES: WebMD Feature: "With Fruits and Veggies, MoreMatters." 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines. Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD,author, The Pocket Idiot's Guide to the New Food Pyramids. ElaineMagee, MPH, RD,author, Comfort Food Makeovers. Brian Wansink, PhD,professor and director, Cornell Food and Brand Lab, Ithaca, N.Y.; author,Mindless Eating. Barbara Rolls, PhD, professor of nutritional sciences;and director, laboratory for the study of human ingestive behaviors, Penn StateUniversity; and author, The Volumetrics Eating Plan.

Link:
10 Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting - WebMD

March 5, 2018, 6:10 PM UTC/ UpdatedMarch 9, 2018, 9:19 PM UTC

By Samantha Cassetty, RD

Call it what you will: An eating plan, a lifestyle, a diet, a philosophy, but few things garner such heated debate as how to lose weight. The truth is, whether youre on a low-carb keto program, devoted to the Paleo lifestyle, all in to the Whole 30 or remain committed to low-fat eating, these plans have more in common than you think. Whats more, follow any one of them religiously, and youll likely notice results.

In a new study, Stanford University researchers put more than 600 overweight adults on either a healthy low-fat or low-carb diet. It turns out, participants had similar levels of weight loss success on each plan. Researchers looked for clues (such as insulin levels and gene patterns) to see if there are any factors that might make someone more successful on either diet, but after combing through the data, they were not able to make any connections. Since it may take years before scientists discover individual traits that could lead to more success on one plan compared to another, for now, we can learn a lot and lose a lot! by recognizing the dieting advice that all experts agree on.

Here are three commandments that cross over all types of weight-loss approaches.

Considering that only 1 in 10 Americans meet their produce requirements, its pretty safe to say you need to eat more veggies. And no matter what food philosophy you subscribe to, veggies are a big part of the program. Vegetables have a lot going for them: They fill you up for very few calories, and they flood your body with the nutrients it needs to fight diseases, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

If you follow food trends, you might think you have to fall in love with cauliflower and kale to reap all the rewards that veggies offer, but that isnt the case. Be it broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, red peppers, cabbage, spinach, or any other vegetable, the idea is to eat a variety of them and find plenty of ways to enjoy their goodness. So if you just cant stomach steamed Brussels sprouts, try them roasted, or give sauted Brussels sprouts a try. If raw zucchini isnt your thing, see if you like it spiralized into noodles or grilled on a grill pan.

Considering that only 1 in 10 Americans meet their produce requirements, its pretty safe to say you need to eat more veggies.

Using a layered approach is another great way to build a good veggie habit. For example, start with a food you already enjoy say, pasta and layer some veggies into your bowl. This can help you explore a new food with one you already love eating, and from there, you can try new ways to savor it. Take spinach, for instance. After trying it with pasta, you may want fold it into an omelet or another favorite food, or explore it on its own with different cooking techniques (sauted or steamed) or different flavor additions (garlic or golden raisins). The possibilities are limitless!

You can blame biology for your sweet tooth. Were hardwired to have a preference for sweets, and this drive is universal and begins early on, according to research on the subject. Sugar makes food taste good, so food companies add it to everything from breads to soups to salad dressings to cereals, yogurts and more. This adds up to way too much sugar!

On average, Americans consume more than 19 teaspoons of sugar per dayfar in excess of the American Heart Associations 6 teaspoon limit for women and 9 teaspoon limit for men. This is not doing your waistline any favors, which is why every weight loss plan advocates eating less sugar.

There has been some confusion that a low-fat diet means you can feast on low-fat cookies and other treats, but this, again, is the food manufacturers influence. The true intent of low-fat dining is to eat more healthful foods that are naturally low in fat: fruits, vegetables, beans, lean proteins and whole grains.

There is plenty of research to support a low-fat lifestyle, just as there is strong evidence that you can lose weight by cutting carbs. Different approaches work for different people, but if you want to slim down, cutting back on added sugars is consistent advice across all programs.

One more note on added sugars: Whether you call it agave, cane juice, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, fruit juice concentrate, date sugar or any of the 61 names for added sugar, they all spell trouble for your health and your waistline.

Im in favor of any program that promotes whole foods over hyper-processed fare, and this is one thing the popular diet plans can agree on. Overly processed foods have been linked to weight gain, perhaps because many unhealthy packaged foods (think: potato chips, ice cream, frozen pizza, cookies and the like) lack the fiber found in many whole foods, including vegetables. Fiber helps fill us up, and research suggests that by simply adding more fiber to your menu, you can lose weight nearly as well as a more complicated approach. Consistently choosing whole foods is one way to do this.

Whole foods include fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, eggs, seafood, chicken and so on. Food philosophies may differ around which of these foods to emphasize, but thats okay, since the evidence shows that there isnt a single best way to lose weight. The goal is to select an approach that feels sustainable to you. If you can easily live without pasta, perhaps a low-carb method centered around veggies and quality proteins, like seafood, chicken, and lean beef would be a good fit. Vegans and vegetarians can lose weight by choosing fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant proteins. Nut lovers may do well shedding pounds with a Mediterranean-style menu. Whatever diet appeals to your appetite and way of life, focusing on whole foods is something that all plans promote.

Samantha Cassetty is a registered dietitian in New York City. For more great tips that make it easier to eat well and live better, follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Want more tips like these? NBC News BETTER is obsessed with finding easier, healthier and smarter ways to live. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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The best way to lose weight boils down to these three things

According to Boston Medical Center, approximately 45 million Americans embark on a diet every year, certain that this will finally be the one that they stick with. However, an analysis of research conducted at UCLA suggests that the vast majority of people who try to diet will ultimately fail, eventually regaining the weight theyve lostif not morewhen they ditch whatever restrictive plan theyve been attempting to stalwartly adhere to.

So, whats the problem? Well, losing weight and successfully keeping it off requires a holistic approach, not some pre-packaged program thats as unpleasant to follow as it is easy to give up on. Expensive bottles of juice and pain-inducing fitness programs can only be maintained for so long, after all.

Thankfully, summer is the perfect time to start meeting your goals. In fact, with ideal temperatures turning every outdoor space into a DIY gym and produce aplenty, it might just be the season for making weight loss moves. Keep reading to discover 100 weight loss tips that will help you perfect your physique this summer.

Think skipping meals is the key to a slimmer body? Think again. Research published in 2012 in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association revealed that eating more frequentlyspecifically eating three meals and two snacks in a 24-hour periodis positively associated with weight loss and weight maintenance.

If slimming down is on the top of your to-do list, you may want to invest in some new flatware. Why? Buying plates in colors that contrast with your food can actually help you eat less. Thats according to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, which found that individuals who ate foods similar in color to the plate they were eating onlike pasta in tomato sauce on a red plateate 30 percent more than those whose food contrasted with the dish they were eating it from.

If you want to win big in terms of weight loss, then go small when it comes to your plates. One 2016 review published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that doubling the size of a persons plate when they were serving themselves food was associated with them serving themselves a shocking 41 percent more food.

Popsicles may be a summer staple, but theyre loaded with sugar and other ingredients that threaten to derail your diet. So, instead of those refined sugar-laden treats, enjoy some frozen red grapes instead. Not only will they help satisfy your sweet tooth, but their resveratrol (thats the beneficial antioxidant found in red wine) content has been shown to reduce weight gain associated with a high-fat diet.

Start your morning with a cup of unsweetened green tea and you might just find yourself meeting your weight loss goals in record time. Research published in the International Journal of Obesity found that the combination of caffeine and epigallocatechin gallatean antioxidant abundant in teahad a positive influence on both weight loss and weight maintenance.

If youre trying to lose weight, youd be well-advised not to eliminate this common morning pick-me-up from your diet. According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking coffee was associated with increased fat loss and increased metabolic rate. Just make sure youre skipping the added sugar, which can quickly turn a healthy habit into one that causes you to pack on the pounds.

A little fat in your morning brew can go a long way when it comes to shedding the fat from your body, particularly if you opt for a medium-chain triglyceride oil like MCT oil. One 2010 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that MCT oil supplementation yielded greater weight loss than olive oil, so go ahead and add some to your coffee or smoothie to maximize your fat burn.

While many people assume that eating carbs close to bedtime is a bad thing, research suggests the opposite may be true. According to a 2014 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, eating carbohydrates at night can actually help reduce your appetite, so dont be afraid to grab that box of crackers before bed!

If you want to lose weight fast, then one of the easiest things you can do is make a meal schedule for yourself and stick with it. When people stick to a meal pattern they rarely overeat, explains Julie Upton, MS, RD, co-founder of Appetite for Health. Stick to eating three meals a day and two snacks. Dont graze all day and dont skip meals.

If youre forcing yourself to eat breakfast when youre not hungry or find yourself grabbing dinner when bed sounds like a more appealing option, you may be doing yourself a disservice. According to research published in the journal Cell Metabolism, time-restricted eating is associated with a reduced risk of obesity, with or without calorie restriction. Even better, its also associated with a reduced risk of metabolic disease, even when you take a break from it on weekends.

Even though diet soda is typically non-caloric, it can still have a serious effect on your weight and overall health. Research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that diet soda consumption is associated with increased waist circumference and abdominal fat.

A little ginger in your meal plan could result in some major weight loss. Thats because according to researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, ginger has an effect against both insulin resistance and obesity. However, not all forms of ginger are created equal (were looking at you, ginger snaps), so make sure youre using it in its whole, unprocessed form whenever possible. And bonus: Ginger is also one of the 30 Best Foods for Maximizing Your Energy Levels.

While salt may not be calorically dense, it can still have a significant effect on your weight lossor lack thereof. In fact, research published in the journal Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases found a strong correlation between salt and rising obesity rates. Not only that, but the same study found that when subjects reduced their salt intake by 30 to 35 percent over a 30-year period, their mortality risk due to stroke and coronary heart disease decreased by 75 to 80 percent. And for more ways to slim down fast, start with these 20 Surprising Weight-Loss Tips That Anyone Can Do.

All jokes about avocado toast habits tanking the real estate industry aside, eating some avocado on a regular basis is actually a pretty great decision, especially in terms of your weight loss. In one study published in the journal Internal Medicine Review, avocado intake was associated with better overall dietary quality, lower BMI, and lower waist circumference. Consider this a big flag-wave to add some of the green fruit to your favorite salad, sandwich, or omelet.

If you want to lose weight and keep it off, its time to start focusing on how nutritious the food youre eating is rather than trying to whittle your portions down as much as possible. In fact, in one 2018 study published in JAMA, individuals who prioritized eating more vegetables while reducing their intake of processed food lost substantial weight, even when they werent counting calories.

Sipping some water throughout the day is one of the easiest ways to shave off some excess weight. A review of research published in Frontiers in Nutrition confirmed that increased water intake is positively associated with weight lossso before you grab a snack, make sure youre not mistaking that thirst cue for hunger.

Drinking an adequate amount of water every day is vital to weight loss efforts, especially in the summertime. However, it can prove difficult to down some 80 ounces of H2O on a daily basis. Thats where lemons come in. Not only do they give water a pleasantly tangly flavor, but all that extra vitamin C from the lemons will help to boost your immunity, clean up free radicals, and even protect your memory as you age, as Lisa Richards, a certified nutritionist and creator of the Candida diet, explains.

Reach for your water glass before you reach for your fork. In one study conducted at the University of Birmingham, subjects who drank two glasses of water prior to meals lost 2.87 pounds more than those who dug right in.

Beer is a weight loss nightmare. As Eric P. Fleishman, a physique expert and host ofCelebrity Sweat, jokes, a six pack could be killing your six pack. In fact, research published in Nutrition Journal shows a link between beer consumption and abdominal obesity in adult men, so ditch the craft brew in favor of a glass of water or two.

If youre eager to ditch that ballooning belly, start your meals with an apple. Research published in Nutrition reveals that consuming an apple three times a day is associated with greater weight loss. For maximum impact, eat a red apple and youll get a boost of belly-fat-blasting resveratrol, too.

An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but a pear will do just fine in a pinch. In one study published in the journal Nutrition, researchers at the State University of Rio de Janeirofound that consumption of three pears a day was associated with weight loss. If youre feeling tempted by unhealthy foods, pregame with a fiber-rich pear and youll likely be satisfied enough to wait until the craving passes.

If youre trying to rid yourself of those extra pounds, adding filling, fiber-rich foods to your dietlike fruits, vegetables, and whole grainswill help you achieve your goal a whole lot faster than depriving yourself. According to research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, increasing your fiber intake results in more weight loss than a low-fiber dietand all it takes is 30 grams of per day.

If youre trying to slim down, those cookies, crackers, and white breads should be the first items on your veto list. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that people with increased intakes of refined grains are significantly more likely to have excess belly fat than those who favor more fiber-rich grain-based products.

While you dont have to jump on the keto diet bandwagon, lowering your total carb count could go a long way in terms of your weight loss. In one 2009 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, low-carb diets were effective at reducing both total body mass and insulin resistance among obese study subjects over a 12-month period.

A shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning might be the key to getting the body youve always wanted. The results of one2009 study reveal that consuming acetic acida major component in vinegarreduces weight, waist circumference, and visceral fat.

Put down the Lean Cuisine. While many ready-made meals are marketed as nutritious alternatives to home cooking, research published in the British Journal of Nutrition reveals that consumption of such meals is linked to increased rates of obesity and an increased risk of excess belly fat.

The first (and most important) meal of the day sets up a pattern of eating that values health and energizes you for all your fun in the sun, Fleishman says about the importance of breakfast. And on days when you plan to hit the gym, breakfast can be especially beneficial. Per one 2018 study published in theAmerican Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, eating breakfast before a workout prompts the body to burn carbohydrates and digest food more quickly afterward.

Not sure what to eat for breakfast? Yogurt is always a delicious and healthy option. In one 2005 study published in the International Journal of Obesity, subjects who added yogurt to their meal plan lost significantly more weight and inches off their waist than those who abstained.

Start your day off right with a delicious veggie-packed omelette. In one 2009 study published in the International Journal of Obesity, individuals who ate eggs for breakfast lost more weight than those who ate a bagel with a similar number of calories. Plus, despite their reputation for being bad for your cholesterol, research now suggests that most healthy people can safely eat up to three eggs a day without risking their health.

Who says that sweet snacks are off-limits when youre trying to shed some pounds? The right ones, like strawberries, may actually improve your weight loss efforts. In fact, not only are strawberries an excellent source of antioxidant pigment resveratrol, which has been shown to mitigate some of the effects of a high-fat diet, but they may also help you get more active. In one 2017 study published in Nutrients, strawberries specifically reduced pain and inflammation in obese adults with osteoarthritis in their knees.

Think only refined carbohydrates have an effect on your weight? Think again. Research published in the journal ARYA Atherosclerosis suggests that even regular consumption of potatoes is positively correlated with obesity.

However, that doesnt mean that every potato is created equal. The occasional fiber-rich baked sweet potato or side of potato wedges is unlikely to derail your diet in the same way an oversized order of salty, greasy French fries would. Just be careful about how you order your spuds!

One of the quickest ways to kick off your weight loss journey is also one of the easiest: by putting tempting foods away. Research conducted at Cornell University found that individuals who kept fruit on their kitchen counters had lower BMIs overall, and individuals of an average weight were less likely than their obese counterparts to keep snack foods, like pastries, on the kitchen counter.

The next time youre trying hard to turn down that tempting piece of chocolate in pursuit of a slimmer body, just clench your muscles. According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, clenching a muscle has a pronounced effect on a persons willpower and makes it easier to look temptation in the face and say, Not today, Satan.

While increasing your protein intake can help you lose some weight, making your meals too meat-heavy may have the opposite effect. In one study presented at the 18th International Conference on Nutrition and Food Sciences, meat consumption was significantly linked to the rise in obesity rates. Instead, try getting some of your protein from healthier, plant-based sources like nuts and legumes, and opt for leaner cuts of meat when you do indulge.

In the summertime, it can prove increasingly difficult to stick to a strict meal plan, what with so many barbecues featuring juicy burgers and radiant racks of ribs. However, you dont have to deprive yourself completely of your favorite seasonal meats in order to lose weight. Rather, all you have to do is think differently about how you fire up the grill, says Micah Siva, RD, a registered dietitian, trained chef, and founder of NutritionXKitchen.

So how can you enjoy a BBQ without derailing your diet? Rethink sweet sauces and opt for fresh herbs, citrus zest, and spices for delicious and low-calorie flavoring, suggests Siva. Try using plant-based proteins in place of, or in addition to, your barbecued meats. Service fresh vegetable side dishes, and choose whole grain buns if youre serving up burgers.

When youre throwing together your spice rub for your juicy steak, make sure to include a hefty serving of black pepper. One 2010 study published in the Annual Review of Nutrition found that black pepper had both inflammation- and obesity-fighting properties. Plus, the spice adds flavor without adding too many calories!

Though hourlong lunch breaks hardly provide enough time for leisurely meals, your waistline will greatly benefit if you try to slow down a bit. In fact, research published in BMJ Open reveals that slower eating is significantly associated with reduced BMI and waist circumference.

Take a page out of Popeyes book and add some spinach to your routine to see rapid weight loss results. One 2014 study published in the journal Appetite concluded that supplementation with spinach leaf extract over a period of 90 days caused weight loss, lowered study subjects cholesterol, and reduced their desire for sugary and fatty foods.

Tucking in to your midday meal an hour or two earlier could yield serious results for your waistline. According to research published in the International Journal of Obesity, study subjects who ate lunch on the early side lost more weight and shed the pounds faster than those who ate their midday meal after 3:00 p.m.

Make every meal a bit more romantic and healthier with some low lighting. In one study conducted at Cornell University, lower lighting both reduced the total number of calories consumed and increased the total time spent eating by 4.7 percent.

While some gym devotees claim that getting in a pre-workout snack is key to their success, research suggests that the opposite is true. According to a 2017 study from the University of Bath, eating before a workout may actually make it more difficult to lose body fat. So, whenever possible, get in your time at the gym on an empty stomach; youll watch those pounds disappear faster than you thought possible. And when you do eat a meal, make sure youre including some of the 33 Foods That Fight Aging from the Inside Out.

Patience doesnt always pay off when it comes to weight loss. In fact, doing shorter, more intense workoutslike HIITis actually more effective at shedding fat. Plus, shorter and harder workouts increase insulin sensitivity and improve overall cardiovascular fitness, according to a 2011 review of research published in the Journal of Obesity. Looking for some fitness inspiration? Check outThe 4 Best Ab Workouts for Getting That Summer Six-Pack.

While many people assume that weight training will make them look bulky, adding some weights to your routine is actually a great way to slim down and boost your metabolism in one fell swoop. In fact, a study published in the journal Obesity found that obese adults who combined weight lifting and resistance training lost less lean muscle mass than those who combined weight lifting and aerobic training. Over time, this combination may increase a persons cardiovascular fitness while helping them maintain a more desirable (read: leaner-looking) body composition.

Want to make your time at the gym more enjoyable and lose more weight? All it takes is teaming up with a friend. In one 2015 study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, researchers at the University of Aberdeen discovered that working out with a new exercise partner increased the amount of exercise people engaged in.

However, this doesnt mean you have to enlist a drill sergeant to bark orders at you to get results. On the contrary, the researchers found that having an emotionally supportive workout partner further increased the amount of exercise study subjects got.

Want to improve your outcome at the gym? Try treating yourself to some personal training sessions. Research published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine discovered that personal training both motivated study subjects and improved their exercise performance. Though personal training appears to be out of most peoples budgets, many gyms will offer discounted group sessions or even free training with a new membership, so dont be afraid to inquire.

If making it to the gym on a daily basis feels next-to-impossible given your packed schedule, there is hope yet. Investing in a mini stair-stepper, under-desk elliptical, or foldable treadmill can help you reach your weight loss goals, even on those days when hitting the gym just isnt in the cards. And if youre really serious about your fitness journey, then consider these27 Affordable Ways to Turn Your Home into a Luxury Gym.

The next time youre feeling unmotivated to go to your spin class, try putting on one of your favorite pairs of workout leggings. According to one 2012 study published in the Journal of Experimental and Social Psychology, the clothing we wear is significantly psychologically tied to what we do in those clothes, so a great workout outfit may actually help motivate you to hit the gym.

When you cant stand to do one more rep or minute on the treadmill, tell the gym how you really feel with some well-chosen profanity. Thats right: Cursing might just help you get healthier. In one 2018 study published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise, swearing increased an athletes power and strength during a workout. #$%& yeah!

Want to boost your weight loss? Start by leaving the car at home. Research published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine shows a significant link between commuting by car and increased weight gain, even amongst those who are otherwise physically active. So, if a distance is short enough for you to walk and youre physically able to do so, go by foot whenever possible. And if you need more motivation to give your car some rest, here are30 Reasons Why Walking Is the Best Exercise.

Dropping a few pounds during bikini season might be as easy as keeping your bedroom cooler. In one 2014 study published in the journal Diabetes, setting the thermostat to 66 degrees for 10 hours a night increased study participants healthy brown fat by 42 percent and increased their metabolic activity by 10 percentall in just one month.

Sorry, night owls: Going to bed earlier might just be a better bet when youre trying to lose weight. Research published in 2013 by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that later bedtimesand the associated sleep lossmay increase a persons risk of weight gain in the long run. Luckily, it only takes a few days to reset your bodys internal clockand when you start seeing those pounds melt off, youll realize it was well worth it. And if you need help falling asleep before midnight, then try these11 Doctor-Approved Secrets for Falling Asleep FasterTonight.

Shaving off those extra pounds might be as simple as sleeping your way to slim. In fact, according to one 2006 study of more than 68,000 women published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, subjects who regularly slept 5 hours or less gained more than 2.5 pounds more than those who slept more than 7 hours a night. However, that doesnt mean you should spend all day in bed: Oversleeping is also associated with an increased risk of obesity.

While getting inadequate sleep can certainly derail your weight loss success, so too can sleeping in until noon. Research conducted at Northwestern University found that late sleepers added 248 calories to their daily meal plan as compared to early risers, despite the fact that they were awake for a shorter amount of time. Worse yet, they ate double the amount of fast food and fewer vegetables than those who got up early.

Instead of beating yourself up over past weight loss failures, try saying some affirmations to get yourself going. Research published in the Journal of Experimental and Social Psychology shows that self-affirmation is significantly associated with positive behavioral changes, so dont be afraid to stand in front of the mirror and remind yourself what an amazing job youre going to do. And if you struggle with optimism, then you can begin your weight loss journey with these 15 Body Positive Affirmations That Actually Work.

Visualizing your success can actually help you achieve your goals, especially in terms of weight loss. Research published in the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology found that visualization helped weight lifters increase their muscle activity during a workout, indicating it may be key to getting a more effective burnand, ultimately, slimming down faster.

Research published in the journal PLoS One found that while couples tend to have healthier habits than their single counterparts, they still tend to gain weight together. Fortunately, since couples tend to mimic one anothers behaviorfor better or for worsegetting your significant other on your team when it comes to weight loss can help you make some serious changes and help you finally ditch that spare tire.

As it turns out, our predilection for binge-watching has some seriously dangerous effects on our health. In one 2015 study published in the journal Nutrition, spending more than two hours a day watching television was significantly linked with increased consumption of fats and sugars (in addition to lower amounts of fruits and vegetables).

If you think that chewing gum is helping you fend off your food cravings, think again. Contrary to popular belief, research published in the journal Eating Behaviors revealed that chewing gum doesnt decrease hunger, but rather makes people less likely to eat healthy foods like fruit and may even have a deleterious effect on overall diet quality. And for more behaviors to ditch, stat, check out these 40 Worst Habits for People Over 40.

Whether youre getting it via the sun or via supplements, a little vitamin D goes a long way when it comes to losing weight. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that overweight individuals with inadequate vitamin D levels in their blood who adequately increased their vitamin D levels lost more weight and more body fat than those who dieted or exercised alone. And for more great advice, learn the 20 Weight-Loss Techniques Successful Dieters Share.

Not a naturally early riser? Well, if youre looking to lose weight, you might want to become one. In 2014, researchers at Northwestern Universitydiscovered a link between exposure to early morning sunlight and lower BMI, so maybe the early bird really does get the weight loss worm.

When youre eager to get healthy and slim down, it pays to be around people who already consider their health a priority. Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine shows that obesity tends to spread among social groupsso if youre trying to slim down, spend time with your friends who are also eager to do the same.

Yoga may not be the biggest calorie-torcher out there, but that doesnt mean that you should discount it as a means of losing weight. In fact, according to research published in the journalEvidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine,yoga can actually promote healthier eating behaviors in addition to increasing muscle tone and improving cardiovascular health.

Its easy to lose motivation when youre working out and not seeing immediate progress. The good news? Writing down your goals can help you stay the course. In one study conducted at Dominican University of California, study subjects who wrote down their goals were significantly more likely to achieve them than those who simply kept them in mind.

Journaling about your food can have a major impact in terms of how much weight you lose in the long run. Research from Kaiser Permanente found that subjects who kept a food diary nearly doubled weight loss compared to those who didnt keep track of their meals.

Dont have time to hit up an in-person weight loss meeting? Just go online. One study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinologyfound that online behavioral counseling was effective at helping people slim down and maintain their weight loss over a 12-month period.

Sure, your penchant for snapping nonstop selfies may annoy your friends, but it could also be the key to getting the body youve always wanted. According to research conducted at American University, taking and sharing photos of your progress can help you hit your goals and maintain consistency as you try to lose weight. Just make sure to avoid these 15 Places Its Illegal to Take a Selfie.

While staring down the number on the scale may be scary, doing so on a daily basis can help you lose more weight in the long run. In one 2017 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, college-aged female students who weighed themselves daily lost more weight and body fat than those who opted for more sporadic weigh-ins.

While its nice to imagine losing 10 pounds per week, sometimes swinging for the fences with those huge goals can do more harm than good. Instead, try setting smaller goals, like hitting the gym every day for a month, or ditching that sweetened latte in the morning in favor of an iced coffee with a splash of milk. Having small, realistic goals rather than giant, unattainable ones ensures that you stay motivated and encouraged throughout your weight loss journey.

When youre slogging through another seemingly-endless workout, it can be hard to remember why you started in the first place. The good news? Research published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity reveals that addressing the factors that contribute to or hinder motivation can help keep you on track toward reaching your goals in the long run.

Now that its summertime, youll want to take advantage of all that natural sunlight. One 2017 study published in Scientific Reports found that fat cells exposed to light stored less fat than those kept in the dark. However, just because a little light is good for you doesnt mean you cant overdo it: More than 15 minutes a day without sunblock can increase your risk for skin cancer, so be careful!

As unpleasant as it may be to admit, sometimes youre just not going to be happy during your weight loss journey. However, instead of trying to suppress those feelings, its better to accept them and move on. Research published in Eating Behaviors shows that accepting those feelings can lead to greater success when trying to avoid certain trigger foods.

While many people assume that the nicotine in cigarettes has a metabolism-boosting effect or at least helps curb appetite, it turns out that the opposite is true. Research presented at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in 2015 reveals that quitting smoking actually improves metabolic performance.

If you want to clean up your eating habits, then you should start by cleaning up your house. Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that organized spaces promoted healthier food choices, so theres no time like the present to get your spring cleaning started. And if youre not sure whereor howto start with your cleaning, check out these20 Amazing Tricks for Cleaning Your Bathroom.

Instead of grabbing a bagel for breakfast, try subbing in a grapefruit a few mornings a week. According to research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, study subjects who added grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or a grapefruit supplement in pill form to their diet lost significantly more weight and reduced their insulin resistance when compared to a group given a placebo.

Trying to ditch those last 10 pounds? Try putting on some soft music while you eat. Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a correlation between calmer music and a reduce total caloric intake, so opt for some classical tunes instead of bouncy pop at dinner time.

If youre eating well and exercising regularly but still cant lose weight, try reducing your stress level whenever possible. According to a long-term study conducted by researchers at University College London and the Technical University of Dresden, cortisol, a stress hormone, was significantly correlated with increased waist circumference and obesity.

Nuts may be high in fat, but that doesnt mean you should kick them off your menu when you want to lose weight. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that, despite being a relatively high-calorie food, long-term nut consumption is actually associated with a reduced risk of both obesity and type 2 diabetes.

If you have strong associations between certain foods and guilt, theres no time like the present to try to break that bond. While many may believe that associating guilt with certain foods may make you more likely to abstain from them, a study published in Appetite actually reveals that people who associated foods with guilt had less success losing weight over a three-month period than those who considered them celebratory foods.

Add some spicy flavor to your food with a few cloves and youll be enjoying a healthier, leaner body in no time. In addition to making food more flavorful, research suggests that cloves are effective at reducing bodily inflammation and an individuals risk of obesity, too.

Sometimes, a calorie isnt just a calorie. Case in point: calories from trans fats may be slowing your weight loss down, even if youre not overeating. In fact, researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have discovered that monkeys fed a diet high in trans fats gained significantly more weight than those fed monounsaturated fats, while also increasing their proportion of belly fat.

If you want to get your body in shape, start by improving the health of your gut bacteria. Research conducted at the Universit Laval reveals that the gut bacteria in obese individuals and thin individuals differ significantly, but adding probiotics to a persons regular routine may help them increase their weight loss.

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100 Motivational Weight Loss Tips for 2019 | Best Life

What Are Weight Loss Drugs?

Prescription weight loss pills, also called anti-obesity drugs or diet pills, are sometimes prescribed to a patient as an additional tool in the treatment for weight loss. Tools added to medication treatment usually include a plan for lower fat and calorie foods, as well as a regular exercise program.

Most weight loss drugs that suppress the appetite are known as anorexiants. Some weight loss drugs contain a stimulant medication and are classified as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). In 2012, the FDA approved the first two new weight loss drugs in over a decade -- Belviq and Qsymia. Since that time, several more new weight loss medications have been approved, including Contrave, Saxenda, and Belviq XR.

Patients who are overweight or obese with any health condition should consult with their physician prior to beginning a weight loss or exercise program.

There are very few proven choices in over-the-counter (OTC) or nonprescription medications for effective weight loss. One agent that is available without a prescription is Alli (orlistat), a lower-dose version of the prescription drug Xenical.

Many people who are trying to lose weight may attempt to use dietary supplements or herbal medications, but most of these products have not been adequately studied for effectiveness or safety and none are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. Check with a healthcare provider for advice before using herbal or dietary supplements for weight loss.

Prescription weight loss drugs may be an option for patients who have serious health risks, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol and cannot control their weight with diet and exercise alone. Weight loss drugs should not be used as a substitute for healthful eating and a regular exercise program.

Over one year, patients using weight loss drugs may lose roughly 5% to 10% of their initial weight when used as part of a diet and exercise plan. However, for most weight loss drugs, if you have not lost at least5% of your initial body weight after 12 weeks,it is unlikely that you will achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.

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Weight loss drugs don't always work for everyone. It is usually recommended that one to two pounds of weight can be safely lost per week.

For a patient weighing 200 pounds, this would translate into losing about 10 to 20 pounds over one year, which would fall within the safe guidelines for weight loss. While this amount of weight loss seems small, it may be enough to help lower blood pressure or have a positive effect on blood sugar.

Learn More:5 Diet Drugs: Which Ones Work?

Generally, most overweight people should initially try to lose weight using diet and exercise. Prescription diet pills are used in more severe circumstances, when weight loss has not been successful and the patient has important health risks associated with being overweight or obese. However, diet and exercise should always be used in conjunction with prescription weight loss drugs.

Most prescription weight loss drugs note in the package labeling that a person should meet certain requirements, such as a specified body mass index (BMI) and/or have a serious medical risk before using the drug.

Weight loss drugs are usually indicated for obese patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2 or overweight patients with a BMI greater than 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (eg, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol).

Examples of serious medical risks include:

To help assess your health risk based on weight, calculate your body mass index (BMI) here.

A certain amount of additional weight gain, and no weight loss, is currently recommended for all pregnant women, including those women already overweight or obese.

Weight loss drugs should not be used during pregnancy. All weight loss drugs fall under pregnancy category X and are contraindicated (meaning do not use) in pregnancy. Weight loss offers no potential benefit and may result in fetal harm during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should gain during pregnancy, and how quickly.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Read this article:
Weight Loss and Diet Pills: Options to Know - Drugs.com

Underactive thyroid can make losing weight even more challenging, but proper treatment, along with diet and lifestyle strategies can help.

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Healthy foods, controlled portion sizes, and regular exercise these are key components to losing weight. Butif you havehypothyroidism, your underactive thyroid gland may also play a role.

If hypothyroidism is inadequately treated it can be harder to lose weight, since the thyroid is a large regulator of metabolic function. (Weight gain is often the first noticeable symptom of low thyroid.) The most important thing you can do for weight loss and for your overall health is to get proper treatment for your hypothyroidism. However, making a few dietary changes may help boost weight loss success. Losing weight is never easy, but people who have well-controlledhypothyroidism shouldnt struggle to lose weight more than anyone else, says Leonor Corsino, MD, an endocrinologist at the Duke Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery in Durham, North Carolina.

Use these six strategies to jump-start weight loss with hypothyroidism.

Kelly Austin, ND, a naturopathic doctor specializing in hormone disorders and the director of the Prime Wellness Clinic in San Diego, recommends a moderate- to low-carbohydrate diet that focuses on complex carbohydrates (think starchy vegetables and legumes) and avoids simple sugars (pass on the candy and soda). According to the LinusPauling Institute at Oregon State University, foods with a high aglycemic load (like refined grain products and sugary drinks) may increase inflammation in the body. But Dr. Austin stresses the importance of eating enough calories because "low calories can cause a stress response and result in decreased T3 [the active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine] production, she says.

Anti-inflammatory foods can help ease joint aches and pains as well asdepression, all of which can result from hypothyroidism, Austin says. And anti-inflammatory foods can help soothe the immune system, which is often in overdrive in people with hypothyroidism, saysTina Beaudoin, ND, the president of the New Hampshire Association of Naturopathic Doctors and medical director of HealthStrong Integrative Medicine in Manchester, New Hampshire. An anti-inflammatory diet can help calm the immune system and excessive inflammation, and support adequate intake of the essential nutrients needed for healthy thyroid function, including magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, iron, and vitamin C, Dr. Beaudoin says. Leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, fatty fish, nuts, fruit, and olive oil are all good foods to battle inflammation. And this diet decreases the burden on the liver to metabolize highly processed foods, she notes. Healthy liver function is essential because the liver is responsible for converting 60 percent of T4 [the thyroid hormone thyroxine] to T3, Beaudoinexplains.

RELATED: Eat Right to Support Thyroid Function

Hypothyroidism slows digestive function, notes Beaudoin. Eating smaller, more frequent meals with balanced macronutrients quality proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats supports balanced blood sugar and helps avoid the highs and lows of oversized, highly processed meals," she says.

Your daily caloric intake can quickly skyrocket unless you log everything you eat and drink, Dr. Corsino says. It can also help ensure that youre eating a balanced diet. Keeping a food journal is important for someone with hypothyroidism to track their macronutrient intake, Austin says. A diet high in healthy fats, moderate proteins, and moderate to low carbohydrates is best for thyroid function.

Exercise is an important complement to a healthy diet in order to help burn calories, Corsino says. But consider the individual case, Austin says. If a person is terribly fatigued, exercise can further suppress hypothyroidism," Austinsays. "If a person has properly managed their hypothyroid andhas the energy, exercise is encouraged.

RELATED: 8 Ways to Stay Energized With Hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormone should be taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning with plenty of water, Corsino says. Dont take it with any other medications and wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating breakfast. If your thyroid level still isn't where it should be when you take your medication properly, it could be affecting your ability to lose weight.Talk with your doctorabout treatment adjustments that might be right for you.

Additional reporting by Jennifer Geddes.

Continued here:
6 Weight Loss Tips for Hypothyroidism | Everyday Health

Wed all love to lose that extra five, 10, or 15 pounds. And while we invariably begin attacking our new weight-loss goals with gusto (hello, new year, new you!), the bigger problem is sticking to said healthy goals and finding the weight loss motivation to get through the tough days.

Too often we find ourselves sliding back into our bad habits and seeing our goals fall by the wayside.To ensure that that never happens to you, follow these genius, iron-clad, time-tested, and science-backed strategies to takethe weightoff and keep it off. And for more weight loss tips, consider the 20 Science-Backed to Motivate Yourself to Lose Weight.

Even if you arent hungry when you wake up, put down a breakfast focused on lean proteintwo or three eggs, piece of toast, and half an avocadoand not one centered on processed, sugary grains drowned in milk. Morning fuel has been shown to tamp down binges later in the day and boost metabolism, which means you wont need as much weight loss motivation throughout the day. And for more tips on shedding pounds, take a look at the 20 Weight-Loss Techniques Successful Dieters Share.

Fact: Eating a proper meal in your dining room with a proper place settingand proper companywill amp up your feelings of responsibility and bring more meaning to the food. Schlepping a bowl of goop to the couch and plopping down in front of the TV? That will psychologically make your food seem inconsequential and meaningless, increasing your chance of abusing it. And for more on relaxing and avoiding temptation, check out these 10 Best Non-Exercise Stress Busters.

To limit any craving or dessert binges after eating your dinner, try loading up the toothbrush and giving your pearly whites a scrub. The minty flavor and clean teeth will shut down your appetite and prevent you from wanting to indulge anymore.

You know by now that cutting processed foods is a great first step to eating healthier, but a simple trick to avoid being pulled in by their carb-heavy call is to stick to shopping the perimeter of your grocery store.

Thats where the good, whole food hangs out, not in the middle where frozen foods and processed fare lurks. And once youve got your ingredients, you can whip up these 40 Dishes Everyone Over 40 Should Master.

Getting plenty of H2O is essential for efficient organ operation, muscle energy, supple skin, and can even help withweight-lossefforts. More water means youre getting less calories from other beverages like soda and sports drinks. Plus: Downing a glass before a meal can help temper your appetite and make you eat less.

If you are scared of the kitchen but want to start creating healthier meals, invest in a slow cooker or one of the new hybrids that combines a slow cooker, pressure cooker, steamer, and even a saut function, to make whipping up something delicious easy and quick. The simplicity of great food at home is a great weight loss motivation and will help keep you away from fat-laden choices from fast food joints or regular restaurants. Just remember to avoid the 40 Unhealthiest Foods If Youre Over 40.

If theres one weight loss motivation trick successful doers always do, its weighing themselves. Along with tracking your fitness goals and counting calories, keeping close tabs on yourweighthas been shown to assist in losing and, especially once its gone, keeping off the pounds.

Splurge on one of the new connected smart scales that will report your progress to your smartphone complete with heart rate, bone density, and muscle mass measurements. Or just get a cheap-o from the department store. Just get on it everyday to keep yourself honest. And for more help, know Exactly When You Should Weigh Yourself Every Day.

Fruit juice has long been thought off as a healthy drink, but its filled with lots of sugar (about 2535 grams per serving), and it doesnt include any of fibersweight-lossbenefits that you get from consuming whole fruit. Stick to eating actual fruit, and if you must have some juice, cut it down with seltzer. Remember: Knocking out fruit juice is one of the 25 Flat-Belly Secrets That Dont Work.

Before heading into a weight loss motivation journey, you need to take stock of the current state of your pantry. Toss any of the foods that you find yourself constantly snacking on and turning to in times of stress, which usually are those with processed carbs and refined sugarssweets, chips, cookies, cakes.

Fun fact: Did you know that potato chips represent the single biggest threat to your waistline? Its true. Its one of the 20 Crazy Facts That Will Blow Your Mind.

If youve decided to dedicate more time to cooking food at home, you will naturally resist going out for meals. It will save you money in the long runsave it for a few trips to the beach with your new bodyand food typically found in restaurants is higher in calories and fat. And for more on eating right, heres Why Health Experts Want You to Avoid Lettuce in 2018.

Poor portion control is a leading cause of obesity, but an easy way to combat confusing perceptions is to use smaller dishware. Pick the little plate and the small bowl instead of reaching for the large stuff and youll start to eat less at each sitting. And for more help navigating your weight-loss journey, here are the 40 Best Ways to Keep New Habits.

Making meals at home means youll have lots of tasty leftovers that work great for lunches at work and quick dinners when youre busy. But invest in some good storage options, like glass containers with click-top lidsor even a vacuum sealerand youll get even more mileage out of your healthy meals. And if you need some more healthy-food inspiration, check out these 10 Painless Ways to Upgrade Your Diet.

Using dishes that are smaller can help with portions, but you also need to divide them up by their nutritional content to make sure you are feeding your body what it needs, in the right amount to loseweight. The lean protein portion should be about the size of both of your open palms, two fists for veggies and/or carbs, one to two thumbs for fats, and a fingertip or two for oils. For more helpful tricks, know these 15 Best 60-Second Health Hacks.

Looking for ways to substitute your favorite indulgences with healthier foods is essential to keeping yourweight-loss effort consistent. For example, you can make a pizza crust from broccoli and mashed potatoes from cauliflower, and also use Portobello mushrooms or lettuce wraps for buns. And knowing you can still have the foods you love is some of the best weight loss motivation out there! Also, know these 25 Superfoods That Prevent Winter Weight Gain.

Scientists now know that getting consistent and restorative sleep each night is one of the keys to a healthier life and lower bodyweight.Tipsto make sure youre maximizing snooze time include setting up a dark, cool bedroom; cutting off screen time to an hour before bed, no caffeine or alcohol a few hours before sleeping, and sticking to a solid sleep schedule. If you need help getting more Zs, know that Eating This One Thing Will Help You Sleep Better.

We all fall off our plans every now and then. The trick isnt to let it derail the entire plan. If your plan means hitting the gym 4 days a week and avoiding carbsand you cant help but hit up your friends pizza party on Wednesday nightdont let feelings of guilt keep you from picking up where you left off on Thursday. And if youre down on yourself, pick yourself up with these 70 Genius Tricks to Get Instantly Happy.

Were living in the golden age of fitness trackersand tech that targets your health and wellbeingso give yourself an edge by picking up something that will give you reliable data about your progress. Youll be able to set data-based milestones (a few pounds lost, for instance), and you can reward yourself for your effort as you see your progress improve.

You dont have to transform into Ah-nold to reap the benefits of free weights or machines. The truth is, you need to perform some type of resistance exercise to build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest and the better youll fee about your transforming body. And if you need some great workout inspiration, check out Bella Hadids Fat-Melting 15-Minute Workout.

No longer thought of as a vice, coffee has been shown recently to help you live longer, protect your liver, and even ward off diabetes. The caffeine is also a great way to make your workouts livelier and enjoyable by providing you with an extra jolt of energy. Just limit any additions of dairy or sugar for maximum benefits. And if youre still not sold on drinking a cup of joe, check out these 75 Amazing Benefits of Coffee.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a must-add workout routine when trying to shed pounds. The protocol pairs burst of intense, all-out effort with more moderate exertion to ramp up calorie burning and torch fat. The modality has also been linked to extending life by rebuilding cells and keeping diabetes away by improving insulin sensitivity. And if youre still not convinced, check out The Single Best Workout for Turning Back the Clock.

Hunching over your desk all day, stuck in your chair, has been found to be detrimental to your health and causeweightgain. Standing up regularly throughout the day, even if you arent actually engaging in sweaty exercise, triggers your brains internal scale and tamps down appetite. Constantly sitting screws up how your brain interprets yourweight, which may lead to overeating. Bonus: Having better posture is one of the 30 Ways to Cut Stress in 30 Seconds.

Fiber is a hard-to-digest carb found in fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Studies have shown that the more fiber you get in your diet, the lower yourweight. Aim to get about 38 grams of fiber a day, because it will make you feel fuller more quickly and for longer, staving off hunger pangs.

Standing up at work, taking the stairs, going to the gym, walking the dog an extra milethese all add up to your daily calorie-burning deficit and, over time, will help you shedweight. After all, science is telling us that keeping your muscles twitching, however subtly, is The Single Best Way to Boost Your Metabolism Every Day.

If you havent heard by now, processed foods (basically anything that comes in a box or package) arent good for you in the long run. Compared to whole foodsfruits, veggies, nuts, whole grain, meat, seafoodthey are packed with refined sugar and white flour and other additives and preservatives that can contribute toweightgain. Limit consumption and dont buy them.

Sugar has now replaced fat as the No. 1 reason why Americans are unhealthy and overweight. Fat was wrongly maligned for years, leading to low-fat and reduced-fat products that had sugar added to make them taste better, but too much sugar has been found to increase risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and diabetes. For help, see these 7 Ways to Sneak Away from Sugar.

If you are serious aboutweightloss, you should cut out booze. Its calorie dense, affects fat burning, and can melt away any inhibitions against eating bad food or chowing down late at night. If you would like to drink, stick with two glasses of a clear liquor mixed with seltzer and a lime or lemon at each session.

Protein is key for maintaining muscle, especially as you begin to loseweight. And if you are exercising, you must get in proper protein levels to fuel the processes that lead to building muscle, so go for a protein with less fat like lean cuts of beef (flank, sirloin, tenderloin) and pork (loin chop, tenderloin), plus seafood, fish, and poultry.

Some of the best weight loss motivation is a little wriggle room. Totally cutting yourself off from comfort foods or snacks that you crave is not a good move because it increases the chance you will overdo it the next time your will breaks and you load up on chips. Make sure you have one meal a week where you can eat whatever you want as a good psychological break from yourweight-lossjourney.

This should be one of the first foods you need to pretty much totally drop from your diet. They are OK for cheat meals, but youll soon find that fried foods wont agree with your newly healthy constitution. Fried foods are saturated with oils high in calories and trans fats and are known to increase risk of developing heart disease and diabetes, and offer little nutritionally.

Yes, low-carb diets are the latestweight-loss fad, but they work. Cutting carbs is a simple and effective way to create a healthier diet that will lead toweightloss. (Though more hardcore versions, like the ketogenic diet, can become unsustainable over time for most people.)

To loseweight, the simplest tip is to take in less calories than you are burning each dayif you do that, you will loseweight(unless you have a medical problem). Firstyou need to get a rough estimate of your Total Daily Energy Expenditure, or TDEE, and your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), or by your activity. Enter your info into anonline calculatorand once youve got your TDEE figured out, eat about 500 calories under that to lose fat.

Do you know why professional athletes visualize themselves hoisting the championship trophy before the game? Because it works, and it can for you, too! So creat a picture in your mind of the body you want and youll be able to power through the tough times when your willpower flags.

Use your skills in the kitchen to make up a big batch of food you can portion out into lunches or dinnerson Sunday. That way youll always have something good to eat to when you get stressed or run out of time at work, limiting any returns to fast food or other unhealthy fare.

Spices like cayenne, red chili powder, turmeric, and cinnamon have been shown to help rev up your metabolism, which can lead to increased fat burning, and help curtail cravings. They can also help make your food taste better, which is essential when trying to integrate healthier fare into a previously fatty and calorie-rich diet.

These foods should move to the top of your grocery list. There arent many fat people out there that subsist on a diet of only produce. Mainly because all of the fiber makes you feel full quicker, limiting how much you can physically shove into your mouth, and because they are jam-packed with vitamins and minerals that give you energy and vitality.

Sometimes the urge to eat is a form of self-medication and becomes a compulsive exercise. If you suspect thats the case for you, its probably a good idea to talk to a mental health professional and address the issue directly.

Switch to seltzer instead.

Dont look at your goal for losingweightas an unending slog or horrible trek, and dont subscribe to any one diet. Following thesetipswill help you need to make a lifestyle change revolving around how you see food and how you use foodits there to nourish and make your life better, not become a literally burdensomeweightthat ruins your life.

Remember what the great Michael Pollan said about the secret to eating healthy: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. If it comes in a box with a cartoon character emblazoned on it, steer clear. If its a whole food sitting out in the open? Buy away!

Consistent exercise and meditation will do wonders not only for your brain and your mood but also your waistline. After all, study after study has showed that stress leads to hormonal cacophony in your body and inexorably to poor eating habits.

The key to losingweightand keeping it off is finding what motivates you, and spouting daily affirmationsno matter how corny you may feel at firstare proven to work. So, remember: Youre a winner, and nothing is impossible!

There are loads of apps out there that can help you track calories, find healthy recipes, perform effective workouts, and give you good advice on how to stick with yourweight-lossgoals. Check reviews, try out a few, and then use the ones that work for you since they can offer you info, accountability, and support thats tough to find on your own.

When you get bored, youll fall off your routine. So switch it up! Dont be afraid to branch out and explore workouts or movements that you enjoy more than the standard gym slog. Maybe you prefer biking to the elliptical, or rowing to the treadmill. Or perhaps hiking local trails or playing basketball at the Y is more your speedit doesnt matter, just do it constantly and frequently.

One trap people looking to loseweightoften fall into is making goals that cant physically or realistically be met. Losing 20 pounds in a month is not only unhealthy, but its also impossible unless you are starving yourself. Hard-to-meet goals will only frustrate you and push you away from the ultimate goal of a leaner and heathier body.

Before going into aweight-lossprogram, try to identify any areas where you will probably slip upthis can help prepare you for the mistake and lessen the sense of failure in your motivation to lose weight. Just dont make excuses and blame your weaknesses as the reason why you keep failing to meet your goals.

Take a moment each day or week to sit in silence and meditate on your progress. How have you been feeling? What things triggered binges or bad food choices? You dont have to do it for hours like a Tibetan monk. Just be alone with your thoughts and focus on your progress, or lack of, and try to identify tweaks to make it easier.

Dont think of the whole point of losingweightas taking stuff out of your life (even though fat subtraction is the final goal). A healthier approach is to remind yourself that you are adding in new and healthy things that will hopefully become healthy habits, so tacklingweightgain wont be a big deal. Reframing things is one of the best ways to find the motivation to lose weight.

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50 Genius Weight-Loss Motivation Tricks | Best Life

Dr. Kevin Gendreaus motivation for losing weight was rooted in tradgey.

When my sister was diagnosed with an aggressive, rare form of cancer, I decided to change my life, Dr. Gendreau,who had reached 300 lbs. by consuming a diet full of bread, pasta and chips, told PEOPLE. For me, being obese was a choice. How could I literally eat myself to death while my poor sister was fighting for her life?

The primary care physician started on a high fat, low carb diet and tracked his progress through MyFitness Pal.

As my sisters condition worsened, I became more motivated than ever to eat healthfully because I knew my niece [Sophia, now 7] and nephew [Henry, now 3] would need me to be at my best, said Dr. Gendreau. Sadly, his sister passed away in June 2017.

On his new whole food diet, he saw astonishing results by eliminating processed carbs and sticking tofruits, vegetables, nuts, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, non-fat Greek yogurt, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and non caloric spices and seasoning.

After his weight hit a plateau, he turned to intermittent fasting, which helped him shed the last 50 lbs. of the 125 lbs. he lost.

Now, he eats from only 12pm to 8pm every day. Outside of that window he allows himself black tea, black coffee and water.

He even began recommending his routine to patients. Intermittent fasting has been life changing for many of my pre-diabetic and diabetic patients, Dr. Gendreau said. But he cautioned, Intermittent fasting is safe for most people, but not everyone. You should definitely talk to your own doctor before starting any diet or exercise plan.

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Weight Loss Success Stories: Inspiring Before & After Pics ...

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