Don't live life on a string: how to stop that "yo-yo" diet

Thousands of people have become victims of the so-called "yo-yo diet." After making a commitment to finally lose those excess pounds, they found themselves full of guilt after eating that slice of chocolate cake or taking several glasses of non-diet soft drink. They have repeatedly said to themselves, "...just one more bite wouldn't hurt." But that extra bite led to another bite...and then another...and still more gulps of the same food that a few days before was classified as a "no-no." After trying a lot of diets from South Beach to Atkins, there was only one conclusion: nothing works. The problem is not that the diets only offer false promises. The difficulty lies in controlling the urge to splurge. Most dieters starve themselves thinking that that would do the trick. But after days of painful food deprivation, these dieters decide that getting a "reward" such as a bowl of ice cream, or a bar of caramel is definitely a treat that they have already earned. That is why they call it a "yo-yo" diet. The individual who truly wants to lose weight falls into the trap of following the diet, and, after a short time, getting of the program. And then, after the expected guilt out of eating the "forbidden" food, they quickly jump back into the diet.

Orlistat helps prevent a person from regaining weight that was previously lost by blocking the absorption of fat that is found in many types of food. Also known as tetrahydrolipstatin, is a drug that was designed specifically to treat obesity. The drug is widely popular especially now that the number of cases of obesity has reached such alarming proportions. Obesity is simply having too much body fat, and that this excess weight is already considered a health risk. Clinically, obesity is measured by comparing a person's measurements to a standardized Body Mass Index (BMI) or waist circumference.

According to a 2005 study by the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 1.5 billion adults who were overweight, and of this number, about 400 million adults are obese. The study also estimates that there will be 2.3 billion overweight adults and more than 700 million obese adults by 2015.

What are the causes of obesity and being overweight? The WHO says that the main cause of obesity and being overweight is the imbalance between the amount of calories consumed and the amount of calories expended. Clearly, it not just the amount or type of food that is consumed that makes a person overweight or obese. The amount of energy used or the level of physical activity each day also determines a person's weight and figure. The WHO also points out that there has been a global shift in diet where people eat more "energy-dense" foods that have high sugar and fat content. Urbanization, improved means of transportation, and the rise of often-sedentary types of work have also caused people to be less physically engaged, and thus, more prone to being overweight or obese. Of course, genetic factors also play a role in defining the shape of a person's body.

What can a person do to overcome being overweight? How about people who are obese? Is there any help for them?

Needless to say, addressing the problems of obesity and being overweight are serious matters. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculo-skeletal disorders, and some types of cancers have associated with being overweight and obese. One of the main keys to address these twin health concerns is a change of mindset. A person must be committed to regaining health and having the right attitude and habits toward food. Second, a person with weight problems must resolve to get into a sports or fitness program. All the calories and fat that were consumed must be expended by the body through the said fitness program. And third, for those with serious weight problems, the use of an FDA-certified weight loss pill is a viable option. The use of a weight loss pill, under the supervision of a doctor or licensed health professional, is one of the most effective and, at the same time, among the least demanding ways to lose weight. The act of swallowing a weight loss pill does not entail having an expensive membership in a gym or health club. Moreover, the weight loss diet pill as an alternative to a fitness program will be much appreciated by people who do not have the time and inclination towards sports or other physical activities. Most sports or exercise programs demand a certain degree of physical coordination and conditioning --- both of which may not be present in an overweight or obese person. One of the best weight loss pill ingredients is called Orlistat, which is part of a slimming drug that is available in many countries as an over-the-counter medication. Orlistat works by preventing the absorption of fat into the body when a person eats fat-rich foods. It is considered a rapid weight loss pill because the user of the medication will immediately see the fats that are eliminated from the body. These eliminated fats are usually expended when a person engages in the removal of bowels.

Indeed, being obese and overweight are serious concerns that must be addressed through the most appropriate and safe manner available. Life should not be lived like how one plays with a yo-yo. No one should put their health or lives for that matter on a string.