Many are tired of fighting the weight loss battle alone. They’re turning to medical weight loss treatment for help and support.

With super-slim celebrities on every magazine cover and non-stop commercials for diet pills playing on the TV, it’s easy to see why today’s society is feeling the pressure to be thin. Still, for those struggling with their weight, the issue usually goes beyond image. Being overweight can not only affect your self-esteem, it can affect your quality of life and certainly your overall health.

Many are tired of fighting the weight-loss battle alone. They’re turning to medical weight loss treatment for help and support.

What is Medical Weight Loss Treatment?

Medical weight loss treatment is a term that applies to any procedure performed in a medical spa setting that is aimed at helping you lose weight. Today, there are many options for medical weight loss treatment, ranging from the mild and non-invasive, like nutritional advice and counseling, to the extreme, like gastric bypass surgery.

Who Needs Medical Weight Loss Treatment?

Anyone who would like to lose weight may want to consider medical weight loss treatment. It may especially appeal to those who have tried to lose weight on their own without much success, or those who cannot seem to lose weight even after changing their diet or exercise habits. Certain procedures, like bariatric surgery, are only recommended and available for those who suffer from morbid obesity.

What are the Different Types of Medical Weight Loss Treatment?

The medical weight loss treatments available to you will vary greatly upon which physician or medical spa you choose. Here are some treatments that are commonly available:

Counseling: Speaking to a counselor or psychologist throughout your weight-loss journey can be surprisingly effective in helping you lose weight, and the benefits may extend to other areas of your life as well. Often times, people who struggle with their weight are dealing with other issues as well. They may be self-conscious, and the weight problem may affect their self-esteem, causing depression and anxiety. This can even compound the weight problem, as they may feel uncomfortable working out in public or seek comfort in food. Speaking to a counselor is a relatively risk-free option, and one that may prove to be a shortcut in realizing and addressing your issues with food and/or body image issues.

Nutritional Counseling:  Making positive changes in your diet can impact your weight loss and your attitude as well. A nutritional counselor will look at your current diet, health history, and weight-loss goals in order to determine a diet that’s healthy and practical for your lifestyle. The dangers of nutritional counseling are slim with an educated and well-trained professional. However, if a diet doesn’t feel right, it may be time to discuss any diet changes or even seek a second opinion. Extreme diets, like a liquid diet or long-term fast, can be dangerous and even counter-productive.

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What Is It?

Gastric bypass is the procedure of making the stomach smaller. A small pouch is created at the top of the stomach with staples or a plastic band. The path of digestion is then routed around the small intestine, bypassing that part of the stomach. The creation of the smaller stomach makes it difficult to consume more than a small amount of food and calories. People that have had the surgery feel full faster than if they were just monitoring their food intake.

The food eaten also bypasses the small intestine where most nutrients and calories are absorbed. This enables someone to eat a smaller than usual serving and absorb fewer calories.

The procedure is done in a hospital and is an inpatient surgery. The full recovery time can range anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks. Initially, patients need to be monitored closely by health professionals. There will be frequent follow-up visits at a certified medical facility or a private physician’s office if returning to the hospital is not an option. Patients will also be counseled on how to treat their altered body, how to supplement their decreased diet with vitamins and minerals and how to cope with their surgery and the aftermath emotionally.

Who Needs It?

Adults age 18 to 65 that are severely overweight and considered obese are eligible for the procedure. A doctor will typically speak with them concerning their lifestyle and whether or not gastric bypass is an option for them. People whose body mass index (BMI) is over 40 make good candidates for the procedure. Those who have tried more traditional methods of weight loss and failed in their endeavor often find that gastric bypass is their only option. They may have developed debilitating or threatening conditions related to their weight and the gastric bypass will save their life.

A person should have been obese for at least five years prior to considering the surgery. They must be relatively healthy and not suffer from untreated depression or any other major psychological disorders. It is also important that they not have ongoing problems with alcohol because untreated alcoholism will lead to severe problems once the surgery is complete.

Benefits

The main benefit of gastric bypass surgery is that it allows someone to lose weight relatively quickly. Those having the surgery typically drop about one third of their excess body weight over the course of one year. They may continue to lose for up to four years. The procedure helps them to learn proper eating habits, and reduce their serving sizes by force. Due to negative reactions to certain foods, people will also be able to train themselves to avoid highly processed and refined foods. While it is best to manage an eating plan without forcibly altering your body, gastric bypass patients have been unable to do so. The surgery may mean the difference between life and death for them, and it will most certainly effect their quality of life for the better.

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Body contouring can help to improve the appearance of your body after a significant weight loss.

1. Body contouring can help to improve the appearance of your body after a significant weight loss. When you’ve worked hard to lose a large amount of weight, it can be extremely disheartening to find that you’re left with extra sagging skin which continues to make you look heavy. Body contouring can help. Using procedures like the body lift, the back lift, and the abdomen-slimming panniculectomy, medical spa technicians can remove excess skin and fat, revealing the thin, healthy body you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

2. Body contouring may also be used to reverse the natural effects of aging, sun exposure, and childbirth. As we age and as we are exposed to the sun, our skin becomes less resilient and begins to sag. After childbirth, many women find that they’re simply unable to get rid of the sagging skin and fat left over in their abdominal region. Body contouring procedures can be used to remove extra skin and leave tighter, younger-looking skin in its place.

3. Spider veins and cellulite are unsightly and often difficult to treat. Even young, healthy women often find themselves afflicted by these common conditions. Medical spas are now able to banish cellulite and spider veins permanently.

If you are interested in body contouring, check out a local med-spa today!

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People need to remain open to suggestion when they go under hypnosis. If the hypnotherapist suggests that a client eats less food after 7pm, for example, he or she has to be willing to alter their habits.

Overweight people try everything they can to stick to diets; pasting pictures of themselves in grossly too tight swimming suits on the fridge, refusing to buy clothes in sizes that fit, and trying out every faddish diet under the sun. But no matter how hard they try, many fail miserably – and then valiantly start all over again a few months later.

It’s a vicious circle, and one that many of us are doomed to repeat over and over and over again throughout our lives. Yet some experts say there is a different approach to dieting, one that can help you regain the magic ingredient of willpower which every diet needs to succeed.

It’s not which diet you choose, it’s whether or not you can stick to it. And believe it or not, the secret to doing just that is – wait for it – hypnosis. Many experts believe that going into a trance with the help of a trained hypnotist can help you understand not only why you regularly overeat, but also how to conquer your poor eating habits.

But before you worry whether or not you’ll soon start clucking like a chicken whenever someone utters the words “The sky is blue” or “Granny eats pancakes for lunch”, read on…

Stage One: Understanding Bad Behavior

When it comes to losing weight, a hypnotherapist will look at your lifestyle in an attempt to understand why you overeat, your current eating habits, and what types of “triggers” make your act like a glutton. Sometimes we overeat because we’ve had a bad day or are angry at our spouse, other times we stuff our faces because we’re bored, exhausted or simply overly stressed.

Usually a hypnotist will talk to you at length, delving into the emotional and day-to-day issues which affect your appetite, eating habits etc. Some people have a bad history with food for emotional or family reasons, others overeat simply because it’s become an ingrained habit they are unable to break. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know why you have acquired certain negative behavior patterns, before you can make any attempt to change them for the better.

Stage Two: Changing Bad Habits

Once you and your hypnotherapist work together in figuring out the reasons behind your actions, he or she will them give you coping mechanisms to deal with problem areas. For example, if you eat a bar of chocolate every night in front of the television, you will be given other things to do in order to cope with that difficult time.

These can involve relaxation techniques or tapping exercises – when you tap your fingers on your palm, for example, you will be “programmed” to remember why you are on a diet, why you want to lose weight, and why that tempting box of chocolates, the ones with the nuts on top and gooey cream centers, is a no-no. Soon steering clear of food that is bad for you will be ingrained in your psyche, and you will start eating less and more healthily – naturally.

Remember, you will need to be open to suggestion in order to make these coping mechanisms become second nature. If you are not really ready to give up that bacon and egg sandwich for breakfast along with those four Twinkies at your coffee break – followed by a pizza and garlic bread lunch, more snacks and a huge dinner – then hypnosis may not be for you.

Hypnotherapy Myths and Facts

• MYTH: A hypnotherapist cannot make you act out in a way that goes against your core beliefs. So they will be unable to make someone carry out a vicious murder, and by the same token cannot make someone shed the pounds if they don’t want to.
• FACT: People need to remain open to suggestion when they go under hypnosis. If the hypnotherapist suggests that a client eats less food after 7pm, for example, he or she has to be willing to alter their habits.
• MYTH: Hypnotherapy cannot change you completely. However, it can help change your attitude toward yourself, and improve your confidence and self-esteem. When you feel better about yourself, you may get the impetus you need to look – and feel – better. It’s all up to you.
• FACT: You cannot become wholly dependent on a hypnotherapist. People who worry that they’ll start overeating, smoking or binge-drinking again once the hypnosis “wears off” are deluded. A good hypnotist should empower you, rather than the other way around.
• MYTH: Hypnotherapy is bad for your health. In essence, hypnotherapy encourages people to relax as well as concentrate on problems in their life that need to be solved. For some people, it can bring about balance and a state of perfect equilibrium – and encourage them to bring their bodies in harmony as well.
• FACT: Strong people still go to hypnotherapists. You don’t have to be weak to benefit from hypnosis. Anyone who has an open mind and who is willing to work on a specific problem – in this case, weight loss – might benefit from it. Some hypnotherapists believe that anyone who is motivated and willing to concentrate can be successfully hypnotized. That’s probably true.

Hypnotherapy for weight loss can be a positive experience, but it doesn’t work for everyone – although some hypnotherapists claim it can. Usually it works for people who are ready to adhere to a specific diet, but just need that certain nudge and feeling of security that hypnosis can provide, a feeling that someone is behind you rooting for you and helping you succeed.

Remember, nothing untoward really happens when an individual goes under hypnosis. You will be displaying all the regular actions and showing all the individual preferences you normally have. By the same token, once you go under hypnosis there will only be a positive outcome if you are ready for it to work. So look into my eyes…

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While exercise is good for you, even the most fit women often suffer from cellulite.

VelaSmooth is a fairly new technique that is advertised as being powered by ELOS, an acronym which stands for electrical-optical synergy. While for most of us that term has no meaning whatsoever, in simple laymen’s speak it means that it uses a combination of radio waves, infrared light and massage to make cellulite disappear.

The treatment, which takes about half an hour each time, involves heating the areas affected by cellulite to increase skin elasticity. Then, the radio waves heat up those ugly fat cells which lie behind the skin’s surface. Finally, a “vacuum action” combined with deep tissue massage is carried out to stimulate the production of new collagen and make the skin smoother.

Two treatments a week for eight weeks is recommended, so you are usually locked into a commitment from the very beginning. To ensure that it works, your practitioner will no doubt advise you to follow a healthy diet, without too many fatty foods, drink plenty of water and keep up a good exercise regimen. What a novel idea – and recommended by Oprah.

But Does it Work?
Whether VelaSmooth really works is up for discussion and, as is the case of many med spa treatments, what works for one person may not work for you. The cost can be prohibitive for many people, and it rarely comes with a no-quibble guarantee. You are, literally, taking the fate of your cellulite into your own hands – or the hands of someone you barely know!

Here are some comments from women who have had VelaSmooth:

• A 48-year-old woman from Ohio who was not overweight and exercised regularly but still had “saggy and dimpled skin on my thighs” recently wrote on a health website that she had spent over $4,000 on VelaSmooth with no effect. Her verdict? “Don’t waste your time and money.” In fact, 80 percent of women writing in said VelaSmooth was not worth it, while 20 percent said it was.
• QE of Colorado had 20 treatments and said she saw a “10 percent improvement, not enough to make a difference… the nurse who performed the treatment was great, the results were practically non-exsitent [sic]. I could not recommend this treatment, it was expensive and extremely disappointing.”
• “Kikitom” from California spent $1,900 on a series of treatments and said it was definitely worth shelling out the cash. ”Did 10 treatments on my butt and behind [my] legs and my legs look GREAT,” she wrote on the same site. However, she added that you “shouldn’t expect good results if you continue to eat fatty food.”

Please keep in mind that you may want to try VelaShape instead, which is costlier but has reported better results. In 2005, VelaSmooth was cleared by the FDA for temporarily reducing cellulite. Two years later, VelaShape was cleared for the same claim – and for reducing thigh circumference at the same time.

VelaShape is considered an improvement to VelaSmooth, with more power and better technology, and as treatments take less time you need fewer of them for the same effect. Better results and fewer costs – what have you got to lose? Perhaps some cellulite, definitely some money.

All About Cellulite
To understand methods of reducing cellulite, it’s important to fully understand what cellulite is in the first place. That dimpled orange peel effect is really just fat deposits trapped in pockets of connective tissue underneath the skin, causing it to dimple, and rough estimates claim that about four out of every five women over age 20 have it.

The main reason we get cellulite is because we do, regardless of whether we are fat or thin, drinking loads of water or are dehydrated, eating six servings of fresh fruit and veg every day or existing on donuts, chocolate and Twinkies, exercising regularly or maintaining a sedentary lifestyle.

Some people find those fatty dimples kind of appealing. But because getting rid of them has become an obsession for many, here are some myths and facts about cellulite:

• MYTH: Eating a diet rich in saturated fats will cause more cellulite to appear.
• FACT: Diet seems to have little to do with cellulite, although fatty food may make you somewhat more prone to it.

• MYTH: Too little exercise will make your thighs even more dimpled.
• FACT: While exercise is good for you, even the most fit women often suffer from cellulite.

• MYTH: Becoming dehydrated contributes to cellulite production.
• FACT: Theoretically, water helps to flush out unhealthy toxins that are in the body and clean out the lymphatic system. But it cannot really remove congestion that can build up in fat layers.

• MYTH: Weight gain results in more of an orange peel look in problem areas.
• FACT: Cellulite may appear more apparent if you are larger – sometimes a LOT more apparent – but weight gain doesn’t play much more of a role in cellulite than that for most people.

While women are most affected by cellulite, it’s interesting to note that the condition does, on occasion, affect men. They get it less often because male skin is thicker than female skin, which can protect them from getting it. Also, in women the fat is stored directly underneath the skin while in men it’s deeper down, therefore making cellulite less apparent.

Men also have more muscle than women, as a rule, and more body hair, as a rule, which together make cellulite harder to see. Interestingly, the most common places for cellulite to appear on men is their stomachs and – wait for it – their necks (gross).

If you suffer from cellulite, blame it on genetics. Healthy “cures” such as proper diet and regular exercise may make you look a bit better, and even if your cellulite doesn’t improve you’ll feel better and be healthier from the inside out. If you want to try other options to get rid of cellulite that just won’t budge, then VelaSmooth and VelaShape may be the answer for you. Then again, they may not!

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A is for Artecoll. A dermal filler that claims to be “permanent” as the results last five years or more. Can be used to plump out facial wrinkles in particular and, occasionally, in the lips – although it’s not recommended as the result can be disastrous! Make sure you have an allergy test before having this treatment – and the jury is still out about whether it is 100 percent safe.

B is for Botox. This FDA-approved injectable med spa treatment is made from a Botulinum Toxin A, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It works by either making us have chronic diarrhea, or paralyzing the muscles that can cause us to frown and make other wrinkles appear. Amazingly, it can also do wonders for migraines, excessive seating and even incontinence!

C is for Cellulite Treatments. Cellulite is just plain old fat, and the best way to get rid of it is through diet and exercise. If that fails, liposuction is one way to stop that orange peel look from taking over, as well as less invasive treatments such as LipoSolve, Smart Lipo and others. Many potions and lotions also claim to work, as well as procedures such as Lipomassage, Velasmooth and a host of rivals.

D is for Dermaplaning. A rather extreme method to get rid of acne scars and other skin problems by having someone scrape the skin off your face with a scalpel. Some people swear by it, others say it’s a bit too brutal. You be the judge.

E is for Elite-Lipo Dissolve. A fat-busting treatment designed to get rid of lard in problem areas, such as love handles. You will have a series of injections to melt the fat away, along with attendant pain and discomfort. Stubborn areas usually respond well.

F is for Foot Implants (no, really). Wanna dance all night? Make the pain of high heels a thing of the past by having a filler injected into the soles of your feet. Try Perlane, Restylane or collagen – incredibly painful while you’re having the injection, but isn’t that what beauty’s all about?

G is for Goretex. While it may sound like a brand of waterproof material, this is used as an non-toxic implant to plump out deep laugh lines, wrinkles and lips. As the body doesn’t reject this substance, results are longer lasting than with other fillers. Also, because it’s flexible with microscopic pores, it’s has a low predisposition toward tearing.

H is for Hair Transplant.”Donor” hair from the back or sides of your scalp are placed in the areas of your head where there is no hair, or where it is very thin. The idea is to have new hair grow in places where it has stopped growing. Painful and has limited results for most people.

I is for IPL Photofacial (Intense Pulsed Light). Combat the signs of aging – and the redness of rosacea – with light energy which stimulates the production of collagen. You will need at least five to ten treatment for maximum effect.

J is for Juvederm. Another filler for lips, face and other body parts. The beauty part, however, is that 80 of the Juvederm injected is safely reabsorbed by the body and eventually disappears, while 20 percent stays in the tissues. Lasts longer than Restylane as well – up to a year.

K is for Keratin used in Brazilian Hair Straightening. Using Keratin, this system is touted as being kinder to hair than other types of “permanent hair straightening” systems. Compared to the YUKO system, it is cheaper, takes less time, and wears away gradually. The downside is it only lasts up to four months. Play it safe by making sure your salon uses a cocktail without formaldehyde.

L is for Laser Hair Removal. Make unwanted hair a thing of the past with this treatment, which will make hair disappear almost permanently after time. The hair is zapped with light from a laser, which disables the hair follicles and stops the hair from growing. Nifty, huh?

M is for Male Waxing. Better, faster and more long-lasting than plucking or tweezing, hair waxing for men is becoming more and more popular. Give your hairy back a break or sample a hair-free chest for yourself – waxing isn’t just for women anymore!

N is for Natural Body Contouring. Give yourself an overhaul with laser therapy to zap cellulite – before it zaps you. Non-invasive with long-lasting results, it purportedly works by changing the shape of the fat cells in your body and remodeling the connective tissue underneath.

O is for Obagi Facial. Cleanse your skin – and turn it blue – with this unique facial using Obagi skincare products. The Blue Peel chemical peel reveals fresher skin in just a week, after the old layers of skin have peeled away. Can also be done on other parts of the body such as the chest, hands and neck.

P is for Power Peel. A way to polish your face through the sanding technique of Microderm, or microdermabrasion. An alternative to a chemical peel, it can help get rid of wrinkles, acne scars, age spots and discoloration on the face.

Q is for Q-Med. Impress your cosmetic practitioner by knowing a bit about Q-Med, the medical company that makes medical implants, including Restylane (see below). Headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, it also makes the injectable gel Macrolane, which is slowly gaining popularity as an “instant” breast enhancer, although it’s not yet approved for sales in the US.

R is for Restylane. A dermal filler manufactured in Sweden, this popular filler can make skinny lips a thing of the past, and can plump up fine lines and wrinkles. It contains hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the body to create volume. Once injected, it works with the hyaluronic acid already present in the body to create even more volume. Dissolves naturally, and can last least six months or more.

S is for Smart Lipo. An alternative to traditional liposuction, this revolutionary new technique involves making fat “melt” away by using a special laser that zaps problem areas. Is cheaper and has less down time that conventional lipo, but you may have lumpy and bumpy results.

T is for Thread Lift. Also known as a “lunchtime face lift”, this med spa procedure involves making special sutures, using a barbed thread, to lift and therefore reposition the sagging parts of the face, such as the jowls. Cheaper and less invasive than a full face lift, but will have to be redone within a few years to keep up the look.

U is for Ugly Scar and Stretchmark Removal. Four main ways exist to get rid of scarring and stretch marks: chemical peel, dermabrasion, laser surgery and full excision. Remember that having realistic expectations is key: your skin will never revert to its pre-adolescent state, so don’t expect too much!

V is for Vein Therapy. A popular way to get rid of thread veins by injecting a special solution directly into them, causing the lining of the vessel to become irritated. It then begins to swell and stick together, making the vein close. As a result blood can no longer flow through it, so the red or blue colour disappears.

W is for Wrinkle Peel. Make old layers of facial skin peel off with a special solution of acid, as the top layers are the ones most likely to wrinkle. Sounds tempting? Remember that a wrinkle peel can take up to a month to recover from, with risks including infection, scarring, permanent skin lightening and inflammation of the skin.

X is for X-ray. Keep healthy by knowing exactly how your internal health is doing. Some med spas offer X-ray absorptiometry scans, which can check your BMI, or Body Mass Index, as well as your bone density, before you have a treatment. Good to know before following any diet plan – or having lipo!

Y is for Youthful Skin. Skin rejuvenation treatments are perhaps the most sought after procedures offered in med spas today, as virtually everyone wants to look – and – feel younger. Don’t forget, however, that exercise and proper diet go a long way to a healthier new you.

Z is for Zinc. Try this and ditch the skin rejuvenation treatments, as prevention is often better than cure. Keep yourself looking younger by religiously applying sunscreen containing zinc oxide, which acts as a barrier against the sun’s harmful rays – and is also used as a barrier cream for babies with diaper rash!

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It is not surprising that women start yearning for slim and sexy figures by taking these famous people as role models or simply to look like the sexy models on the magazine pages.

Of course, there is another very important reason for weight loss-your health. As the saying goes, “Health is Wealth”. Your weight or BMI plays a vital role in preventing various diseases like heart problem and needs to be monitored accordingly.

Here is a way for you to lose weight whatever the reason-read on.

Physicians and others from weight loss clinics can give you the figure that you dream of with their special weight loss programs.

Prices for these weight loss programs vary and the “good” ones could be truly expensive. The other “setback” (depends on how you look at it!) is that you have to stay committed to the weight loss program and the recommended diet. Or else you will end up “burning” your money!

If you have set your heart on a dream figure for yourself, signing up in a good weight loss clinic is one sure way to get it!

What are the basics of weight loss?
Calories are the key to weight loss. You need to drop your extra calories acquired from your food and drinks. Exercise is necessary to burn your extra calories. That is the true secret to weight loss-exercise and controlling your diet! You have to be really serious about wanting to lose weight and be committed to it.

Body Mass Index/BMI calculation gives a reasonable estimate of your body fat. As you may know, excess body fat can lead to various diseases. Calorie calculator can tell you the amount of calorie intake that you need daily based on your age, height, weight and physical activity.

What are the types of weight loss clinics?
Weight loss clinics come in two types, virtual and non-virtual. The virtual clinic does not include your complete medical history and lab work up. Consulting your physician would be advisable before you join this sort of clinic especially if you have medical problems or your family has a history of one. Of course, the virtual clinics are cheaper since their services are reduced and it is easy to register online.

Non-virtual or “reality” clinics refer to the “real” deal which includes your complete medical history, lab work up, clinic visits and others. They are more expensive but, offer more services.

What do weight loss clinics offer?
There are many types of plans offered by different weight loss clinics. But, the basics for the plans remain the same.

A standard low calorie plan could be based on your specific metabolism and designed for quick weight loss. Your physician will come up with a specialized meal plan based on your required daily calorie intake.

The customized/modified plan could be based on various determining factors with a number of options. You and your physician discuss your requirements and your weight loss goals. This plan will be made especially for you.

Another plan which can be called the prescription drug plan refers to the usage of FDA approved prescription diet pills. These pills will help you to control your appetite and give immediate effect for your weight loss process. But, there could be some side effects to these pills. You need to be cautious and ask the physicians questions about possible side effects. This weight loss program also includes counseling and some workouts.

The bariatric surgery plan is meant especially for people with BMI over 40. This program involves stomach or small intestine surgery to reduce the intake of food!

A plan may comprise a few phases. The first phase or acute weight loss phase may comprise of initial consultation and weight loss. The initial consultation would be carried out to check on your health (like blood pressure reading, EKG, BMI and blood tests) and to find out about your weight loss goals. After that, the physician might help you on a weekly basis to achieve your weight loss target.

The second phase is after you have reached your desired weight. It can be called the maintenance phase. You learn to increase your calorie intake and physical activity according to your comfort level. You will be taught techniques for maintaining your weight.

The final or wellness phase is a long term wellness program. This phase is intended to assist you by giving ongoing support and resources for a life of optimal wellness. It is common for people who have undergone weight loss programs to put on weight again! This phase is meant to maintain your weight always! This phase might not be part of the program offered by some weight loss clinics. You have to make the necessary enquiries about ongoing support.

What about the pricing of the weight loss programs?
The pricing of the weight loss program depends on various factors. For a “reality” clinic, initial consultation could cost $20 whereas follow-up appointments could be $35 per visit. Appetite suppressant medications could cost from $26-40 for one month’s supply and a lab work could cost $25. Or you could simply talk to the clinic management for a reduced “package” pricing.

For virtual clinic, one month membership (no products) can be $30. A two month membership could be $60 with free variety of nutritional supplements and bars. The list goes on in accordance with your membership duration.

It will be advisable for you to choose a weight loss clinic with registered physicians, a good history and track record.

Some weight loss clinics may tempt you with very quick weight loss. But, please bear in mind that too much of weight loss over a very short period can be detrimental to your health!

If you want to look “good” or improve your wellness, then, a weight loss clinic is a true option!

Information provided in this article is not meant as substitute for medical expertise or advice from your health care provider. For any decisions about your treatment, please discuss with your health care provider.

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Plastic Surgery Definitions

A

• Arm Lift – Medical name brachioplasty.  A procedure that removes excess skin and fat from upper arms.
• Artecoll® – Also known as ArteFil®.  A cosmetic substance used as facial filler.

B

• BOTOX ® – A cosmetic procedure that involves injecting BOTOX® into the skin to reduce wrinkles, crow’s feet, and frown lines.
• Breast Augmentation – Medical name, augmentation mammoplasty.  A surgical procedure that enlarges breast size using implants filled with silicone or a saline solution.
• Breast Lift – Medical name, mastopexy.  A surgical procedure that raises breast height.
• Breast Reconstruction – A surgical procedure that involves the use of breast implants to replace or reshape breasts usually following a mastectomy (removal of breast).
• Breast Reduction – Medical name, reduction mammoplasty.  A procedure that reduces breast size.
• Brow Lift – Also known as an eyebrow lift or forehead lift.  A surgical correction of the upper facial region for drooping brows, upper eyelids and forehead skin.

C

• Calf Implant – A surgically inserted implant that is used to increase the size and shape of calf muscles.
• Cheek Implant – Medical name, malar augmentation.  A surgical procedure entailing the use of a facial implant to enhance the shape, contour and balance of the face.
• Chemical Peel – Also called a facial peel.  A non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatment that employ chemical substances designed to renew the appearance of skin.
• Chin Augmentation – Medical name, mentoplasty.  A surgical procedure entailing the use of an implant to reshape the chin.

D

• Dermabrasion – A non-surgical skin refinishing treatment.

E

• Ear Surgery – Medical name, otoplasty.  A cosmetic or a reconstructive procedure that     reshapes the ear.
• Eyelid Surgery – Medical name, blepharoplasty. Corrects drooping eyelids and bags under the eye

F

• Facelift – Medical name, rhytidectomy.  A surgical procedure that enhances facial appearance by eliminating the sagging skin of the neck and face.
• Facial Fillers – Medical name, dermal fillers.  Used in many different cosmetic and surgical procedures to shape desired areas.
• Facial Implants – Implants that are used in cheeks, chin, jaw, or even nose.
• Fat Grafting – Medical name, autologous fat transfer or fat injections.  Fat is extracted from one area of the body and transferred by injection into another.

G

• Gastric Bypass – Medical name, gastrointestinal surgery or commonly known as weight loss surgery.  A surgical procedure used to combat obesity that decreases the size of the stomach and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine.

H

• Hair Transplant/Replacement – A surgical procedure that transfers plugs of hair follicles from a healthy donor area to a balding or hairless area, usually on the head.

I

• Injectable Fillers – Medical names, dermal or facial fillers.  Fillers used to plump and contour a body part, usually the face and lips.  Examples are Restylane®, Juvederm®, and collagen.

J

• Jaw Implant – Medical name, mandibular augmentation.  A surgically inserted implant that is used to add prominence and balance to a face.

L

• Laser Skin Resurfacing – Medical name, laser peel.  A non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment that employs the use of lasers to resurface the skin.
• Lip Augmentation – A procedure that uses facial fillers like Restylane® or collagen to enlarge or contour the lips.
• Liposuction – Medical names, suction-assisted lipectomy, suction lipectomy, lipoplasty.  An invasive procedure that uses suction to remove excess fat from many areas of the body.

M

• Male Breast Reduction – A surgical procedure that reduces the size of a male breasts caused by gynecomastia (breast enlargement).
• Microdermabrasion – A non-surgical, skin rejuvenation treatment sometimes referred to as a lunchtime peel.
• Mini Facelift – Also referred to as an S lift or mid-face lift.  A surgical procedure that reduces signs of aging in the lower half of the face.

N

• Nose Surgery – Medical name, rhinoplasty.  A surgical reshaping or reconstruction of the nose.

S

• Skin resurfacing – Medical name, laser peel.  A non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment.
• Scar Revision – A procedure that improves the appearance of a scar.  Scars can be treated in a variety of ways.
• Spider Veins – Medical name, sclerotherapy. A procedure that removes the appearance of spider veins either through the injection of certain materials through the skin or by the use of a laser.

T

• Tummy Tuck – Medical name, abdominoplasty.  A surgical procedure that decreases the size of the abdomen and mid-section.

Having difficulty adjusting to those unforgiving signs of aging? Finding it hard to keep your makeup from running in the creases? Hate that bump on the bridge of your nose? Wish you looked like a girl in your bikini instead of the boy next door? Feeling good about the weight you’ve lost, but hate the sagging skin? Think you would be promoted if you didn’t have that double chin? Tired of hearing people ask you if you store acorns in your cheeks?

Most people have one or two things they would change about their physical appearance if they could. Would you, if you could? There seem to be two camps of opinion on plastic surgery: the “don’t-mess-with-mother-nature” side and the “if-its-broken-fix-it group.”

Studies have shown that people with receding chins are perceived by others as weak, those with sagging eyes are thought to be tired and individuals with hooked noses are described as being untrustworthy. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is it any wonder that those on the receiving end of misconceptions like these might struggle with self-esteem issues and want to level the playing field by correcting their physical appearance?

Like it or not, right or wrong, the reality is we live in a world obsessed by physical appearance. Even though you can’t fix a troubled marriage with bigger boobs or goof off at your job and expect a promotion because you had a nose job, self-esteem issues affect self-confidence which in turn influences nearly everything you do. In a world that worships at the altar of self-improvement, “be all that you can be” and “just do it” are phrases that resonate through to the world of plastic surgery.

If you are considering having plastic surgery, there are some things you should know before beginning a self-improvement campaign. First, surgery of any kind should never be taken lightly. Second, to make an informed decision you need to arm yourself with information.

What Do You Know About the Field of Plastic Surgery?

The field of plastic surgery is divided into two areas: reconstructive and cosmetic. Some physicians specialize in one area or the other; some straddle both fields to varying degrees. Both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery can improve physical appearance and enhance self-esteem, but there are differences.

Reconstructive Surgery – Generally speaking, reconstructive surgery improves the function and or the physical appearance of abnormal body structures. In some cases, a new body part, such as a missing ear, is created to achieve a more desirable appearance. Candidates for reconstructive surgery may have congenital or developmental abnormalities or deformities caused by disease and trauma. An example of a congenital anomaly (also referred to as a birth defect) that commonly requires surgical repair is a cleft lip. Trauma victims may require surgery for everything from minor scar revisions to extensive facial reconstruction. Generally speaking, reconstructive surgery is covered by most health insurance companies, although you should always check first to prevent unwanted surprises.

Cosmetic Surgery – Cosmetic surgery aims at reshaping existing body parts like redefining a nose or removing fat from buttocks or knees. Cosmetic surgeons also perform non-surgical procedures like injecting fillers to plump up thin lips or the cosmetic material BOTOX® to reduce frown lines and wrinkles. They also offer various skin rejuvenation services such as skin resurfacing, thermage (a non-surgical technology that utilizes radio-frequency energy to promote collagen deposition and skin tightening) and laser and light based therapies aimed at addressing problem areas in the superficial layer of the skin. Cosmetic procedures are considered elective and generally are not covered by most health insurers.

2008 Cosmetic Surgery Statistics

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), an organization restricted to physicians who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a leader in cosmetic surgery research, offers the following surgical statistics for 2008:

• Over ten million cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non surgical, were reportedly performed in the United States. Of the total, 17% were surgical events.
• The most common procedures were: breast augmentation (355,671), liposuction (341,144), eyelid surgery (195,104), rhinoplasty or surgery on the nose (152,434) and abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck (147,392).
• The majority of cosmetic procedures (surgical and non-surgical) or a whopping 92% were performed on women.
• Among women, the most popular surgical procedures (in order from most requested to least requested) were: breast augmentation (enlargement), liposuction (removal of fat), eyelid surgery, tummy tuck and breast reduction.
• For men, the top surgical procedures (in order from most requested to least requested) were: liposuction, rhinoplasty (surgery on the nose), eyelid surgery, breast reduction for enlarged male breasts, and hair transplantation.
• Percent of total procedures by age group:
  35-50 yrs. – 45%
  51-64 yrs. – 26%
  19-34 yrs. – 22%
  65 and over – 6%
  18 and younger – 2%

For a complete list of statistics and emerging trends see www.surgery.org/press/statistics-2008.php.

Fees for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Procedures

Fees for surgical and non surgical procedures vary according to the type of procedure requested and the surgeon involved.

Procedure – The type of procedure you require determines the other elements that will be included in your total fee. Elements that may be included in a bill are: local or general anesthesia fee; assisting technician fee; anesthesiologist fee; surgical center or hospital fee; recovery facility (office surgical center or hospital) fee; charges for drugs, pre-and post-operative lab tests and x-rays; cost of facial or breast implants and so on.

Surgeon – Fees charged by surgeons are not standardized. Physicians in demand because of their expertise, reputation and years of experience tend to charge more per procedure than less seasoned surgeons. Another factor affecting the fee charged by a physician is the level of technical difficulty involved in performing the surgery and the time required to complete the job.

Given the wide range of fees, if you want to know what your surgery will cost, you will need to have a frank discussion with your surgeon. When you do, remember to inquire about all of the fees, not just the physician’s fee. Ask for an estimate in writing before you leave the office.

You should also check with your health insurer to determine if your planned surgery is covered by your policy, but a word of warning: Do so only after you discuss your procedure with your physician. Why? Because some procedures like eyelid surgery, ordinarily considered elective, might be covered if eyelid skin folds obstruct peripheral vision.

Locating the Right Plastic Surgeon

Choosing to have any surgery is a major decision, but once you decide to pursue the possibility, you will need to select a surgeon. Look for a surgeon who is skilled in his work and willing to discuss, in as much detail as you require, everything involved in the procedure you are considering. With cosmetic surgery, aesthetic outcome is highly important. Unlike an appendectomy, your goal is to look better not just survive.

The best advertisement for a plastic surgeon is a satisfied patient so ask around. If you are somewhat secretive and don’t want people to know that you asking for yourself, you can always say that a friend asked you for a recommendation. If you cannot elicit a name from your friends or acquaintances, use the Internet or phone book and pay attention to ads in newspapers and local magazines.

Once you have a name, the next step is to check out the surgeon’s credentials. Do it before you make an appointment because most surgeons charge a fee for an initial consultation. To waste your money on a fee only to discover after the fact that the desired credentials are lacking is pointless. Call the doctor’s office, indicate that you are considering surgery and ask the office receptionist the following questions:

• Is the surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• How many years of experience does he/she have?
• Is the doctor a member of other professional associations and if so, which ones?
• Does the doctor have past patients to whom you could speak?

All of this information should be free. Write down the information you receive and check out online the member requirements of the professional associations named. Make an appointment only after you are satisfied that your own criteria is met.

How to Prepare for your Appointment

Spend as much time as necessary researching the kind of surgery you think you want or need. For example, if you know you want your nose corrected, gather as much information as you can about the procedure and make a list of questions or topics relative to the surgery that you want to discuss with your surgeon. Put “ask about credentials and experience” on your list along with “ask about fees and financing options.” If you have other concerns, write them down too—leave nothing to chance.

What to Expect in the Doctor’s Office

The day has come and you are on your way to the surgeon’s office for your initial consultation with your trusty list of questions in hand. When your name is called, you finally meet the surgeon and quickly discover that he has a few questions of his own.

The first question is, “Why are you here?” followed closely by questions aimed at eliciting your expectations of the surgery. Surgeons are, or should be, understandably worried about patients who expect plastic surgery to cure all that ails them. An improved appearance is one thing, an improved life quite another. Expect some probing on this subject. The surgeon is looking for psychological balance and realistic expectations.

What else can you anticipate on your first visit? The surgeon will examine you, ask about any medical conditions or problems that you have, ascertain what medications and/or supplements you take, ask if you smoke and what your alcohol intake is, review your past surgeries and inquire about your family’s medical history. There may be other questions pertinent to the type of procedure you are seeking such as size desired in a breast reduction or enlargement.

Once you and your physician agree on a particular surgery your surgeon should explain the procedure to you in as much detail as you require including pre-operative and post-operative care, likely outcomes of the surgery and any risks or potential complications that may arise. Together you will decide on such things as location of incisions, size and types of any implants that may be required and anesthesia type, general or local. Now is the time to ask about length of stay, healing time, scar minimization, swelling and what if the surgical results are unsatisfactory? Will your surgeon redo the surgery at no charge? Always ask to see before-and- after photos of the doctor’s own surgical work. This is standard practice.

Some physicians use computer programs that can predict, in a picture, how you will look with your new surgery completed. To use this program, your picture is taken and transferred directly to the computer application. The surgeon then manipulates your picture on the computer screen to demonstrate to you how you will look after a facelift, breast implant, chin implant, eyelid surgery, tummy tuck, etc.

Before you leave the doctor’s office, you will be given a date for your surgery and instructions for preoperative preparation and postoperative care. If new questions arise between your first visit and your surgery, don’t hesitate to call the office for the answers or ask to speak to the surgeon.

You may be satisfied with the first surgeon you interview, but if not, repeat the process until you find the surgeon you want. This is not the time to take anything for granted and it is the time to be selective. If you care enough about yourself to want plastic surgery, you owe it to yourself to look for the surgeon who will give you the best result.

“There are only two things that determine which women will have plastic surgery: money and guts.” – Author unknown

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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Well, not any more. In recent years some people have realized that many of us are too busy/lazy/stupid to go for the diet-and-exercise option, and that we want quick, almost instantaneous results instead. Time was when liposuction was the fast way to make ourselves look – and feel – thinner, sleeker, and infinitely more contoured. Nowadays, however, liposuction is taking the back seat, making way for its younger, sexier and infinitely more clever little sister: Smart Lipo.

What is Smart Lipo?

Billed as a “revolutionary alternative to liposuction”, Smart Lipo, or laser lipolysis, can be used on both the face and body to melt away fat and make the areas appear more contoured. It works by using a small, hand-held laser to dissolve the fat and also affect the skin’s natural collagen, thus tightening the skin near the areas of the body it touches.

Smart Lipo has been widely known for about a decade. The technique is simple: a laser is inserted underneath the skin’s fat layers to destroy the fat cells and turn them into liquid, which is eventually released into the bloodstream where the liver processes it. The laser will also work to seal off the blood vessels, which means that unlike some other procedures, the risk of bruising and bleeding is lessened.

Advocates of Smart Lipo agree that it sucks (pun intended). But they also say it is better than liposuction for the following reasons:

• Unlike liposuction, it does not require a general anesthetic. Instead, a local is used – in the case of abdominal Smart Lipo, perhaps the most common, an ultra-fine cannula is inserted into the skin to deliver a local through the navel.
• It is better at getting rid of fat that has settled in troublesome pockets on the body and has thus become difficult to remove. It also works to get rid of fat that has been impossible to shift with exercise. And it also tightens the surrounding skin, which conventional lipo does not.
• The procedure is much less invasive than liposuction and the down-time is considerably shortened. A typical procedure can take anywhere from half an hour to two hours.
• The cost is considerably less than conventional liposuction. Although it depends on the areas you are having treated as well as the area of the country in which you are located, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 and up.

Disadvantages of Smart Lipo

While Smart Lipo is considered generally safe and has good results, you should be aware of the following:

• Unlike with conventional liposuction, areas of fat that are melted away thanks to Smart Lipo can reappear if a person gains weight. The result, therefore, is only semi-permanent, and doctors recommend following a healthy diet and exercise program to stop this from occurring (oh, really?).
• With Smart Lipo it can take up to three months to see the end result, although patients say they can see an immediate initial improvement. To accelerate the process, in some cases a light aspiration with water is used.
• Prophylactic antibiotics are often given to reduce the risk of infection.
• And finally, you will have to wear a rather fetching undergarment similar to a corset for up to ten days if you have abdominal etc Smart Lipo carried out…

Areas Smart Lipo Can Target

See if you could use some fat-sucking from the following body parts, and remember, sometimes Smart Lipo is done in conjunction with regular lipo…

• Face, particularly the chin and cheeks
• Neck
• Arms
• Abdomen and all love handles
• Bottom
• Knees
• Inner and outer thighs
• Male breasts (also known as man boobs, or “moobs”)
• Pubic mound, or Mound of Venus (assume this applies only to women, not to men)

The Risks

No cosmetic procedure is completely without risks. While Smart Lipo is generally considered a minimally invasive technique, there is a slight risk of infection and hematoma, a collection of blood vessels forming underneath your skin which results from internal bleeding, or a hemmorhage. In some rare cases the result is asymmetrical, and you may be left with some scarring.

As with any procedure, you can minimize the risks by having realistic expectations, doing your homework beforehand and finding a good surgeon who has done the procedure countless times before and is registered and/or certified with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, or its equivalent. Don’t forget that if you are seeking massive weight loss then Smart Lipo is not for you, nor is any kind of liposuction whatsoever, for that matter.

Smart Lipo is good for people who want either a quick fix, or who want to remove areas of stubborn fat that they have found impossible to shift, such as a Buddha belly, a double chin. However, the procedure is not entirely painless, can be costly, and carries some risks.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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I know what you’re thinking – “Intense exercise is great and all but it’s easier said than done.” The truth is- it’s easier done than said.

So in order to get you started on that path towards a better, brighter and happier you, we’ve laid out the hard facts and simple truths about weight loss.

Set Your Goals

Without setting realistic goals, you will find yourself quickly discouraged and back on the couch. Everybody wants to lose weight quickly – as marketers well know with their promises to make you “Lose 100 pounds in a week!” strategies- but the truth is that our bodies aren’t wired to make such drastic changes in a short amount of time.

That’s why the first step is being realistic about your weight loss – to lose weight you will need to approach it with the same dedication and focus that you would use to approach a large project. Set your goals, allocate time and track your progress. Scheduling time is particularly important as we’re hardwired from birth to get to school on time, tune in for our favorite TV shows on time and live according to the clock. So if you wake up every morning with the time already scheduled for taking a run or lifting weights, you’re much more likely to stay on track and make progress. This is one of the reasons that joining a regularly scheduled weight-loss clinic can be a very good idea.

Plus, by setting realistic goals you feel much more rewarded when you accomplish those goals, and that sense of accomplishment will only encourage you to continue with your plan.

Real Exercise Yields Real Results

Everybody knows that exercise is essential to weight loss. The fact is it’s extremely difficult to lose weight without exercising. But what some people don’t realize is that there’s a difference between doing a few sit-ups before breakfast and seriously dedicating time to do some hardcore workout. That’s because there is a good amount of truth in the saying “No pain, no gain.” If you’re not sweating and breathing heavily, you’re not losing weight -and there are several things you can do to make sure you’re getting the most out of your workout.

For starters, don’t take breaks. Taking breaks in between workouts slows your heart-rate and makes it harder to keep up a fast pace. Think of the gym like you think of the workplace – you have to do your best and work hard to succeed in your career and it’s no different with your exercise.

Another effective strategy is to get a workout partner or personal trainer who’s more fit and experienced with exercise than you are. This will motivate you to work harder and hopefully get you up to par with your partner.

And of course the most obvious way to ensure you’re getting a thorough workout is to join a gym. Treadmills and Thighmasters are great for home workout, but it can be difficult to fit all the equipment necessary to ensure a comprehensive workout in your home.

Motivation is Key

Now I know what you’re thinking – “Intense exercise is great and all but it’s easier said than done.” The truth is- it’s easier done than said. You can procrastinate your weight loss until the day you die – or you can take a few simple steps that will provide you with the motivation to work your butt off (literally).

Some popular motivational techniques include taking before and after pictures, hiring a personal trainer, joining a weight loss clinic or even signing up to an online weight loss forum. Reshape your life so that every aspect of it reminds you of your goal – getting fit. With enough motivating factors, it becomes easier to work out than to skip it.

The reason that weight-loss clinics and personal trainers work so well for encouraging weight loss is because of the social and competitive nature of human beings. If we see our friend losing weight at a faster rate than us, we will want to best them. If you are logging on to a weight-loss forum every night and bragging about the amount of reps you accomplished, you will feel pressured into living up to your accomplishments.

Also, tell your family, friends and co-workers about your latest endeavor to lose weight and keep them regularly updated. Surround yourself with positive people and make them proud of your progress.

You Are What You Eat

In your quest to lose weight there are two enemies – laziness and temptation. The laziness is defeated with exercise but then there’s one more foe left to fight – the temptation of certain tasty foods. And while both are formidable opponents, temptation might just be more dangerous than laziness as an entire day of exercise can be cancelled out by a single pizza dinner.

This is why eating healthy and avoiding bad foods is the other golden pillar of weight loss. It’s the yin to the exercising yang and it requires some drastic changes to your way of living and your outlook on food.

To eat right, you must start by reading labels and restocking your fridge and there are plenty of simple changes you can make off the bat – such as buying whole wheat bread and pasta, low-fat mayonnaise and reduced fat milk. But also invest in a weight loss book that doesn’t promote easy solutions to big weight problems and research what kind of foods affect what areas of your body. For instance, high-fat cheeses and milk will increase your tummy fat more than anywhere else on your body.

Another technique is to start checking the caloric content in your food and compare it with the calorie loss displayed on modern treadmill machines. When you realize that one chocolate chip cookie could undo a half hour on the treadmill, it becomes a lot less appetizing.

But more than anything – you have to control your portions. Everybody may slip up and indulge in a cheeseburger every now and then, but the trick is eating only half of it. Additionally, you can take simple steps that reduce the amount of food you eat on a daily basis.

One effective technique for reducing portions involves tricking your body into thinking that you’ve eaten more than you have. To do this you can try eating slower and chewing your food for longer. Another way to do this is to eat more fiber, which studies have shown makes you feel fuller, longer. You can also try using smaller forks and plates or even throw your silverware and a dirty napkin onto your remaining food to make it appear unappetizing and signify the end of the meal. These techniques highlight the importance that psychology plays in losing weight and staying fit.

Don’t Lose Hope!

Finally, remember to never lose hope. Just like in anything we do, there will be setbacks and the results won’t be immediate. Try to remember that good wholesome feeling that we all experience after a long workout. Remind yourself of that nasty, depressed feeling after a fatty meal and focus on long-term goals rather than short-term pleasures. After all, life is too short to go through it feeling self-conscious about your appearance and avoiding fun physical activities such as hiking, biking and sports. Everybody deserves a healthy body and it’s up to you to exercise your right to exercise.

Do you have any weight-loss tips you’d like to share? Contribute to this article by leaving them in a comment below! Thanks for reading and be sure to check out the sister article Top 5 Bizarre Weight Loss Techniques People Actually Try!

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