If you have made the decision to lose weight, you’re in good company; according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), more than 49 percent of Americans over the age of 20 have admitted to trying to lose weight to improve their appearance, better their health, or a combination of the two. These findings were based on a 2015 to 2016, the most current data available, national health survey. That said, the trend doesn’t appear to be losing any steam. In 2018, more than 6 billion people visited gyms across America in hopes of shedding unwanted pounds, according to the International Health, Racquet, and Sports Club Association (IHRSA), a global community of health and fitness professionals. While most people will agree that exercise is a great way to lose weight, there is some debate when it comes to weight loss programs.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DIET PROGRAM

When it comes to diets, there is no shortage to choose from, and for many people, choosing the right one can prove more challenging than losing weight. Ideally, those who are ready to lose weight and improve their health would do best to assess their health and wellness goals and choose a diet that enables them to reach those goals. It may also be a good idea to confer with a physician, nutritionist, or a dietician who can help you make an informed decision. That said, let’s take a look at some of the more popular weight loss programs and what they have to offer:

MEDITERRANEAN DIET

Hailed by celebrities and everyday people as the best weight loss diet, the Mediterranean diet is predicated on consuming large amounts of healthy fats like omega-3s, for example, as well as an equally large amount of fruits and vegetables. In a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, overweight and obese study participants who followed a Mediterranean diet lost as much as 10 pounds after following the diet for two years. And the benefits did not stop there; those who followed the diet also benefited from improved blood glucose and cholesterol levels as well.

NUTRISYSTEM

Nutrisystem is a diet that has been endorsed by Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, Jessica Simpson, and many other celebrities. And everyday people who have tried the diet have credited it with enabling them to achieve their goal weight. In short, Nutrisystem is the antithesis of a crash diet, insomuch that the program is designed to teach members not only how to lose weight but also how to keep the weight off. According to information on their website, individuals on a Nutrisystem diet can expect to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week. It is important to note that the diet program, which is a 28-week program, does require participants to consume only low-calorie, prepackaged Nutrisystem foods. While this may be a turnoff for some people, those who have followed the diet have praised the food as being both satiating and delicious.

BOTTOM LINE Before starting any diet program, it is always a good idea to speak with a physician, nutritionist, or dietician to ensure that your choice in diets is one that allows you to lose weight without jeopardizing your nutritional or overall health. Lastly, to achieve the best results, consider exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. …