Welcome to our FAQ page! Here we have 10 of our most frequently asked questions regarding weight loss and how to approach it. The answer to each question is revealed when you click on the question. Have a specific question you don't see? Contact us here and we will try our best to reply as soon as possible. Thank you!
- How do I know if I should lose weight?
-
There are several ways to determine if you should lose weight. Although everyone's body is different, a common way to check is to use a BMI calculator. The calculator can ask for different measurements and output a number to determine whether you are underweight, at normal weight, overweight, or obese. As this is a general guideline, it is always best to speak to a healthcare professional to determine what is best for you.
- What is the most effective way to lose weight?
-
The most effective way to lose weight is to combine a healthy diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. Talk to your doctor to determine a specific plan that works for you.
- What is the best diet for weight loss?
-
There is no diet that is objectively the "best" for weight loss. Generally, however, a diet that is balanced and includes plenty of water and a variety of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein is a good place to start. You can look around to see which diet works best for you, and talking with your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you find one that fits your needs.
- Is exercise necessary in order to lose weight?
-
No, exercise is not completely required in an effort to lose weight. The most important thing in losing weight is to control your calorie consumption through a normal diet. But physical exercise can make losing weight very much simpler, as it burns up calories and can help build muscle, which will burn extra calories even when resting. Exercise is highly recommended for your overall health and to help you lose weight, so don't write it off!
- What exercises are the best to lose weight?
-
Although this is not the answer you would have wanted, it is the same as the answer to the question of "What is the best weight loss diet?". There is no easy answer as to the "best" exercises for weight loss. This is a very complicated question, and it depends on your body type, preferences, and goals. You can do cardio, strength training, or any other type of exercise, and they can all be utilized to help you lose weight. You can try getting advice from a personal trainer or fitness expert, as they can better inform you on which way you want to go regarding exercising.
- Can I lose weight with exercise alone?
-
Yes, you can lose weight with exercise alone, but it is much harder when you don't combine it with a healthy diet. Exercise also burns calories, and if you consume fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight. But losing calories by cutting them out of your diet is simpler and much easier than burning them off. Exercising doesn't burn nearly as many calories as you may think or see on a screen. If you wish to lose weight, it is strongly advised that you pair exercise with a healthy diet.
- What would sleep have anything to do with losing weight?
-
Sleep is necessary in order to survive and stay healthy, and it is also a key factor in weight loss. When you sleep, you are allowing your body to rest and perform metabolic functions to sustain your body. Poor sleep or not getting enough sleep can actually cause you to burn less fat than if you were to sleep sufficiently.
- How many hours of sleep per night are recommended?
-
Public health data suggests that you should sleep for 8 hours every night. This is a general recommendation, but you may be an outlier who requires an hour less or more of sleep.
- How much weight loss can I expect per week and per month?
-
Assuming you are consuming an average of 300-500 less calories per day, paired with regular exercise, you can probably expect somewhere between 1-2lbs of weight loss per week, and 4-8lbs of weight loss per month. This is all dependant on your body and your approach to weight loss, so keep that in mind when calculating.
- How long should my weight loss program be for?
-
Your program duration is dependant on your goals and needs. Generally, keeping a program for 8-12 weeks at a time and taking a break after for 2 weeks to a month is best to keep you disciplined for the long run. If you diet for a short period, you may notice that you will not lose as much weight. If you diet for too long, you may get diet fatigue and quit altogether. It is important to balance a healthy program duration coupled with a duration for a diet break to keep yourself disciplined and not make the weight loss too difficult.