Looking for a quick and easy way to lose weight? You're not alone. Based on information from the Food and Drug Administration an estimated 50 million Americans will go on diets this year. Some will succeed in losing weight, few will manage to keep all of it off in the long run.

  One reason for the low success rate is people often look for quick and easy solutions to their weight issues. They succumb to quick-fix claims like "Eat all you want and still lose weight!. They spend billions every year on all types of diet programs and products including diet soft drinks and foods. You've heard it all before. The only proven way to lose weight is either to reduce the number of calories you eat or to increase the number of calories you burn off through exercise. Most experts recommend a combination of both.

Achieving a healthy weight takes great effort, good planning and consistency. The rewards will be great: You will feel better and enjoy your life more. In time, these steps will become a sustainable healthy lifestyle based on proper nutrition and increased physical activity. You'll reduce your health risks, but most importantly, this change in your lifestyle can be an enjoyable way for you to live.

● Learn more about Diet and weight management 

Weight Management
Nutrition.gov
www.nutrition.gov

Setting Goals for Weight Loss
Partnership for Healthy Weight Management
www.consumer.gov/weightloss/setgoals.htm

Weight Loss Center
Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/WT99999

Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight Loss Program
Food and Nutrition Information Center - USDA
win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/choosing.htm

Aim for a healthy Weight
Food and Nutrition Information Center - USDA
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/patmats.htm