For most people, excess fat is gained over many months or years.
Weight is gained by eating more food (or energy) than is burned off
in everyday activities. Excess energy is mainly stored in the body
as fat. Over time this often accumulates, resulting in excess
weight. To maintain a steady weight the number of calories being
consumed must equal the number used up. A sedentary person eating a
high energy diet, i.e. consuming more energy than they are using up
in everyday activities, will put on weight.
To lose weight it is necessary to reduce the calories you eat or
increase the amount of calories you burn off in everyday
activities. Changing dietary and lifestyle habits, instead of
simply cutting out certain foods or counting calories, will
increase the likelihood of achieving weight loss and preventing
weight regain. The human body copes best if weight is lost over
several months rather than weeks. This gives you time to adapt to,
and enjoy, your new dietary habits and lifestyle.
Set Realistic Goals
When starting a diet you may lose a few pounds straight
away, but this is usually just water. To lose fat takes much
longer! It is tempting to be ambitious about how much, and how
quickly, you are going to lose weight. Instead, set yourself
realistic goals that you have a real chance of reaching. Be
prepared for a gradual, steady weight loss from the start. Aim to
lose no more than about a pound (half a kilo) a fortnight.
