Obesity is a growing problem in the United States. The latest statistics show that nearly 2/3 of Americans are significantly overweight and almost half are actually obese. As more and more attention is focused on this problem and other health related issues it causes, more and more people are looking for different methods to achieve rapid weight loss. Fast weight loss is not always the healthy choice. There are some medically approved methods that should be used if rapid weight loss is the goal.

The first step to safely beginning a program of rapid weight loss is to pay a visit to one’s family doctor. He will be aware of different products and procedures that are available to those who are significantly overweight to achieve fast weight loss without causing worse health problems in the process. Changes in diet and beginning a doctor approved exercise regimen will be important decisions to be made while talking with the doctor.

There are medical procedures and surgeries that can be performed to assist in rapid weight loss for those who are morbidly obese. Liposuction, gastric bypass, and installation of a Lap Band, along with other more drastic surgical alternatives may be considered by those seeking a fast weight loss program. Each procedure has its own unique risks and benefits. Discussing the options with the doctor so he can outline the benefits and risks of each, and a decision can be made about whether the benefits out weigh the risks is crucial.

Certain OTC (over the counter) medications are marketed as a means to help one lose weight. Most of these medications work by suppressing one’s appetite. A great deal of care and consideration should go into any choice to use these medications because there is a significant risk of side effects. Appetite suppressant medications are not generally recommended for rapid weight loss.

One common misconception people have about dieting to achieve rapid weight loss is that they must starve themselves. This could not be further from the truth. Starvation diets can actually compound the problem of obesity and do more harm than good. If the body is deprived of food, it starts to produce hormones designed to take every available calorie and convert it to fat for storage until needed. The body will often break down muscle and other tissues for the protein needed to sustain major life systems while storing fat against possible long term need.

Dieting to bring about rapid weight loss often includes making fundamental changes to one’s eating habits. Rather than eat 3 large meals each day, eat 4 to 5 smaller meals. Controlling the size of portions is critical to rapid weight loss. It is important to eat enough food to sustain the body without eating extra.

Changing what is eaten is more critical than how much. Fresh fruits and vegetables in place of high fat, high calorie foods will help along with reducing the amount of red meat consumed and limiting starches. Done properly, the body will still feel full after eating less calories than before.

Exercise is, of course, the key to rapid weight loss. The doctor will generally suggest an exercise routine that will not overstress parts of the body that are not able to take any extra stress, yet will burn more calories than are consumed. As the weight Is lost, the exercises will become more strenuous to continue the rapid weight loss.

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