Do Lower Calorie Diets Really Work

Do Lower Calorie Diets Really Work

Do Lower Calorie Diets Really Work?

Well we have all heard about effective lower calories diets. But the question is: “Do these lower calories diets really work?

Doctors recommend low calorie diets  because they are based on the principle that calories give us fuel for all the activities and functions that our body undertake. Therefore, if we reduce calories to an amount  less than the body requires, it will burn fat to replace them.

But just what is a low calorie diet? Before the high protein diets, such as the Atkins or South Beach diet, the most popular way of dieting was to limit your calorie intake.  Doctors know that in order to lose weight a person will need to eat less calories then the calories that are burned.

Doctors typically agree that most individuals should not consume less than 1200 calories per day or they can send their body into starvation mode. this will  slow down the metabolism which in turn will slow down the weight loss.

Some doctors have relied on the body mass index of a person to determine whether an individual is considered overweight.  However, the body mass index doesn’t factor the differences between individuals who have a high amount of muscle mass versus fat.

Other researchers look at the hip ratio in which the individual divides their waist measurement in inches by their hip measurements.  It is typically agreed that a woman’s measurement should not be greater than 0.85, and a man’s ratios should not be greater than 0.90.  This is a different indicator of how much body fat is being carried in the belly and how much may be carried in other areas of the body.  When evaluating overall health doctors will look at the combination of indicators, the body mass index and the waist to hip ratio.

Some individuals elect to follow a 24 hour fast every two weeks. This allows their gastrointestinal system to rest for 24 hours. This also reduces the overall calorie intake which helps with weight loss.  During this fast a person can drink various glasses of fruit or vegetable juice,  to help provide the body with energy.

Doctors typically recommend that we eat foods that are higher in nutrients and fiber but lower in calories. In this manner we will be satisfied by eating fewer calories and lose weight even though we are eating more food.

The idea behind a healthy weight loss program involves more than just counting calories.  Long-term weight loss will occur when people change their eating habits and focus on eating more fruits and vegetables, increase their fiber and exercise on a daily basis.

Before following a low calorie diet, one that is less than 1200 calories, a person should be under the care of a doctor in order to ensure that the low calorie diet will not negatively affect any existing medical condition.

You should always consult with your doctor before taking any prescription medications or starting any diet.

If you would like to find additional information about do lower calories diets really work visit our previous post.