Psychological aspects
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Psychologicaly
Diets affect the "energy in" component of the energy balance by limiting or altering the distribution of foods. Techniques that affect the appetite can limit energy intake by affecting the desire to overeat.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy has been effective in producing long term weight loss. Judith S. Beck has been one of the most prominent practitioners and writers to bring this method to a popular audience.
Consumption of low-energy, fiber-rich foods, such as non-starchy vegetables, is effective in obtaining satiation (the feeling of "fullness"). Exercise is also useful in controlling appetite as is drinking water and sleeping. (Extreme physical fatigue, such as that experienced by soldiers and mountain climbers, can make eating a difficult chore.)
The use of drugs to control appetite is also common. Stimulants are often taken as a means to suppress (normal, healthy) hunger by people who are dieting. Ephedrine (through facilitating the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline) stimulates the alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor subtype, which is known to act as an anorectic. L-Phenylalanine, an amino acid found in whey protein powders also has the ability to suppress appetite by increasing the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) which sends a satiety signal to the brain.
Weight loss groups
There exist both profit-oriented and non-profit weight loss organizations who assist people in their weight loss efforts. An example of the former is Weight Watchers; examples of the latter include Overeaters Anonymous, as well as a multitude of non-branded support groups run by local churches, hospitals, and like-minded individuals.
These organizations' customs and practices differ widely. Some groups are modelled on twelve-step programs, while others are quite informal. Some groups advocate certain prepared foods or special menus, while others train dieters to make healthy choices from restaurant menus and while grocery-shopping and cooking.
Most groups leverage the power of group meetings to provide counseling, emotional support, problem-solving, and useful information.
Dangers
Extreme calorie restriction (fewer calories than 75% of that required for basal metabolic rate), medication or unusual patterns of eating (i.e. restricting food consumption to a single fruit or meal) can be dangerous. This can indicate Anorexia Nervosa and/or Bulimia which are common eating disorders and can even be fatal.
Medications
Certain medications can be prescribed to assist in weight loss. Some, like amphetamines, are dangerous and are now banned for casual weight loss. Some supplements, including those containing vitamins and minerals, may not be effective for losing weight.
Diuretics
Diuretics induce weight loss through the excretion of water. These medication or herbs will reduce the amount that a body weights, but will have no effect on an individual's body fat. Diuretics can thicken the blood, cause cramping, kidney and liver damage.
Stimulants
Stimulants such as ephedrine (now illegal in the United States due to an FDA ban) or synephrine work to increase the basal metabolic rate and reduce appetite.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy has been effective in producing long term weight loss. Judith S. Beck has been one of the most prominent practitioners and writers to bring this method to a popular audience.
Consumption of low-energy, fiber-rich foods, such as non-starchy vegetables, is effective in obtaining satiation (the feeling of "fullness"). Exercise is also useful in controlling appetite as is drinking water and sleeping. (Extreme physical fatigue, such as that experienced by soldiers and mountain climbers, can make eating a difficult chore.)
The use of drugs to control appetite is also common. Stimulants are often taken as a means to suppress (normal, healthy) hunger by people who are dieting. Ephedrine (through facilitating the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline) stimulates the alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor subtype, which is known to act as an anorectic. L-Phenylalanine, an amino acid found in whey protein powders also has the ability to suppress appetite by increasing the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) which sends a satiety signal to the brain.
Weight loss groups
There exist both profit-oriented and non-profit weight loss organizations who assist people in their weight loss efforts. An example of the former is Weight Watchers; examples of the latter include Overeaters Anonymous, as well as a multitude of non-branded support groups run by local churches, hospitals, and like-minded individuals.
These organizations' customs and practices differ widely. Some groups are modelled on twelve-step programs, while others are quite informal. Some groups advocate certain prepared foods or special menus, while others train dieters to make healthy choices from restaurant menus and while grocery-shopping and cooking.
Most groups leverage the power of group meetings to provide counseling, emotional support, problem-solving, and useful information.
Dangers
Extreme calorie restriction (fewer calories than 75% of that required for basal metabolic rate), medication or unusual patterns of eating (i.e. restricting food consumption to a single fruit or meal) can be dangerous. This can indicate Anorexia Nervosa and/or Bulimia which are common eating disorders and can even be fatal.
Medications
Certain medications can be prescribed to assist in weight loss. Some, like amphetamines, are dangerous and are now banned for casual weight loss. Some supplements, including those containing vitamins and minerals, may not be effective for losing weight.
Diuretics
Diuretics induce weight loss through the excretion of water. These medication or herbs will reduce the amount that a body weights, but will have no effect on an individual's body fat. Diuretics can thicken the blood, cause cramping, kidney and liver damage.
Stimulants
Stimulants such as ephedrine (now illegal in the United States due to an FDA ban) or synephrine work to increase the basal metabolic rate and reduce appetite.
