Numerous studies show that 98% of people who lose weight regain it within five years. 90% of these gain more weight than they originally lost. The failure of weight loss programs is so great that a leading researcher has said, "Dieting is the leading cause of obesity in the US."

Here is a lay out of one of the primary problems:
The typical daily calorie intake for adults is 2400-3000.
The typical weight loss program reduces this to 900 - 1200 calories a day.
You are still doing whatever you do on this reduced input. Right?
Logically you must loose weight! So what's up?

This leads us to the starvation factor:
The World Health organization defines starvation (the point at which the body is dying) as 900 calories or less a day.

At this input level your body starts to use its reserves and this includes loss of fat, muscle and bone. The heart and the brain can be detrimentally effected if this "Starvation level" calorie input is maintained. It is likely that your body's natural electrolyte balance will be disturbed and high blood pressure can result, as well. In addition: Mental and Physical stress occurs as your body tries to compensate. Bone mass decrease with loss of calcium and resultant Osteoporosis can occur. (Exacerbated in post menopausal women). Estrogen deficiency may occur.

Illnesses as a result of diets:
One source estimates that over 100000 women will die from diet related or exacerbated causes this year. It should also be remembered that fat tissue is a vital component of the human body. It provides energy reserves and storage, insulates and protects. Ensure you visit your personal physician or a registered dietitian before going on diet. There is considerable evidence that the following conditions can be diet related:

Anxiety
Depression
Lethargy
Lowered self-esteem
Decreased attention span
Weakness
Anorexia
Bulimia
High blood pressure
Hair loss
Gall bladder disease
Gall stones
Heart disease
Ulcers
Constipation
Anemia
Dry skin
Skin rashes
Dizziness
Reduced sex drive
Menstrual irregularities
Amenorrhea
Gout
Infertility
Kidney stones
Numbness in the legs
Weight gain
Eating disorders
Reduced resistance to infection
Lowered exercise tolerance
Electrolyte imbalance
Bone loss
Osteoporosis
Death - yes, death.

Summing it all up: According to health experts at Johns Hopkins University, "On any non-medically supervised weight-loss program, women should consume at least 1200 calories a day and men at least 1600 per day." Proper diets are a slow relentless process which require, commitment, planning and time.

To your health!

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