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Introduction
If you’re carrying extra pounds, you have plenty
of company. A majority of American adults weigh
too much, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC). And the problem
isn’t restricted to adults. Many children and teens are
heavier than they should be as well.
It’s true: The pounds don’t go on overnight. But
often, once we decide we need to lose weight, we
look for a quick fix. Here’s another truth: If you want
to lose weight and keep it off, it’s best to practice a
little patience—and develop habits you can maintain
over time.
Putting yourself on a rigid or fad diet is not the
way to go. Instead, the basic, consistent changes you
make to your diet and lifestyle over time offer you the
best chance of successfully reaching and maintaining
a healthy weight.
Behind the pounds
Body weight is influenced by a number of things,
including your metabolism (the rate at which you
burn calories), genes, behavior, environment and
culture. But in general, being overweight comes