Supplements, quick-fix diets, and meal-replacement products all claim that they can help you drop weight fast without changing much else about your diet and lifestyle.

As it turns out, there is little scientific evidence to support the use of any of these short-term solutions.

Even if you experience results, it is most likely you will just burn out and gain it right back

If you are serious about losing weight fast then you should consider all of the factors that go into your weight problems in the first place.

What Causes Weight Problems?

Issues with weight are caused by many different factors, and our society does not make it easy. A sedentary lifestyle with minimal movement throughout the workday, high carb and high sugar diets, poor sleeping schedules, and high amounts of stress are just some of the most common causes of weight gain.

There are just as many different proposed solutions to weight loss, but each one on its own isn’t enough to get you back on track. If you want to really gain control of your weight then you need to gain control of your lifestyle habits first and foremost. Just like you would change your habits and diet after a heart attack or being diagnosed with a serious illness, the same is required for weight loss. Being overweight is a real and serious medical condition that requires a full-spectrum plan in order to properly treat.

A Healthier Approach to Weight Loss

The reason many people don’t find any success in losing weight using typical methods like diet plans and meal replacements is that they are not solving the problem at hand. These methods are just band-aid solutions that are not addressing the underlying issues that are making your body store more fat. The only way to lose weight faster and keep it off is to start practicing an overall healthy lifestyle.

Some of the easiest ways you can start to craft a healthier lifestyle and curb weight gain on your own include:

  1. Get Better Sleep
    Sleeping allows your body to recharge and, most importantly for weight loss, replenish vital hormone and chemical stores. There are plenty of studies that demonstrate an association between only getting 5-6 hours of sleep and an increased risk of obesity. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body loses the ability to convert fat into energy as effectively.
  2. Keep Track of Your Diet
    If you are serious about getting healthy then you should consider keeping track of your food intake throughout the day. Doing this can help you get a better understanding of what nutrients you may be lacking and help you adjust accordingly. Research proves that those who use apps or digital health trackers of any kind have a much better chance of losing weight than those who don’t.
  3. Cut Back on Sugar
    Sugary drinks and foods are one of the main causes of obesity in the U.S. Processed sugars such as those found in high fructose corn syrup digest and are converted to fat quickly while offering little to no nutritional value.
  4. Pay Attention to Gut Bacterial Health
    There are nearly 37 trillion active bacteria in your gut at any time that play a vital role in proper digestion and nutrient usage. High carb and sugar diets can wreak havoc on this ecosystem. Make sure you eat plenty of leafy greens and add in some fermented foods such as Greek yogurt or Kombucha tea to help keep these bacteria healthy and in good balance.
  5. Manage Your Stress
    Stress is one of the easiest ways to cause a disruption to your hormones and metabolism. The stress hormone cortisol is closely tied to fat storage and sugar metabolism, and high levels of consistent stress can alter its levels significantly. If it remains in your bloodstream, you will constantly eat, and, with nowhere for the food to go, it will be stored as fat.

Your body needs to be properly fueled in order to function properly. If you neglect giving it the rest, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness it craves, then your health will suffer. There are constant advertisements and health trends in today’s society that are painting weight loss in the wrong light. Getting your entire lifestyle on track is the only way to lose weight fast and keep it off in the long run.

Get Started Today

The best way to get started on the right path is to speak to a physician about taking a medical approach to your weight loss. This helps you understand what is causing your unique case of weight gain and how to best approach fighting it. Using the steps listed above in combination with a personally-tailored medical weight loss program will help give you the tools you need to cultivate a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

author avatar

Doctors Best Wellness

Founded over a decade ago by Dr. Val Manocchio, Doctors Best Wellness in Weston, Florida delivers top-tier patient care, promoting health through motivation and compassion.