Unfortunately for some, other methods are sometimes needed. Whether through long-term poor development of willpower, genetic disposition, disease or other factors, maintaining the proper weight for the obese sometimes requires outside assistance.

Fad diets rarely work, and almost never for very long. Some nutritional supplements and other compounds can help to a degree. But for many in this situation, weight loss surgery is the only hope.

There are many forms of surgery these days and all have pros and cons. The most important criteria are effectiveness, risk and side effects.

Surgical techniques have evolved over the past few decades, and most are effective, in the sense that they do typically lead to substantial weight loss. That loss comes about usually as the result of restricted caloric intake by eating less or by absorbing less of the food that is eaten.

One of the earliest forms was gastric bypass surgery. All or part of the stomach was removed and the digestive system reconnected. Originally extremely dangerous, it has evolved but still carries substantial risks. It is no longer the preferred method. Patients who undergo the procedure have to take supplements forever after and the risk of disease and nutritional deficiencies remains high.

Stomach stapling is one technique that has been around for many years now. Initially highly dangerous, it has become much safer in the past 10 years. There are still substantial risks, however, as with any major surgery.

The procedure consists of opening the patient and clamping portions of the stomach with specialized surgical staples. Newer methods sometimes make possible laparoscopy, in which a small hole is created through which the surgeon works, but the patient isn't opened up.

There are risks of bleeding, though small. Patients can become ill if they attempt to eat more than the recommended amount. They may also suffer from nutritional deficiencies that can be lifelong, requiring supplements.

The net effect is to create a smaller stomach, leading to a more rapid feeling of fullness. The patient simply eats less and therefore takes in fewer calories. The body turns to stored fat for energy and the result is less fat and lower weight.

A newer form involves installing an adjustable Lap Band around the stomach. This eliminates the need to puncture the stomach and makes it possible for the physician to adjust the effect as the patient loses weight.

Generally safe, the procedure can be done on an outpatient basis. Most consider it a minor inconvenience, though like any medical procedure it's expensive and insurance companies increasingly won't pay for it. The band itself is not painful.

Patients typically experience rapid weight loss, but at the same time (as fat comes out of adipose tissue) many hormonal changes take place. Close, regular medical observation is important for the success of the procedure and the health of the patient.

There are dozens of names for the various procedures, Biliopancreatic Diversion, Vertical Banded Gastroplasty, Adjustable gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy (with or without Duodenal Switch), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and others. All are termed bariatric surgery. Most reputable surgery centers that perform these procedures will require an extensive battery of physical and psychological tests, as well as intensive medical history, prior to making a recommendation as to which procedure, if any, would be best suited for an individual.

But whichever procedure an individual considers, careful thought should be given to weighing the risks and benefits. For many, a commitment to long-term dietary and lifestyle changes is a better option. For those who believe surgery is the best option, consulting with an experienced physician is essential.

But dieting is not without risks, especially in an age when so many fad diets clamor for attention. The desire to lose weight rapidly can lead to health problems that outweigh the benefits of dieting. Rapid weight-loss dieting in particular can lead to a 'rebound', defeating the purpose in the first place.

First, what do we mean by diet in this context?

No matter what specific weight loss plan one chooses, the basic equation of weight loss can not be eliminated: more calories consumed than burned equals weight gain as the body stores the excess in fat. Conversely, more calories used than taken in leads to weight loss, over the long run.

In a resting state, we burn about 70 calories per hour. In a vigorous hour-long hike we burn about 440 calories. A brisk walk for an hour will use up about 240 calories, jogging nearly 600. But balance that against the average 2,000 calorie per day diet. That shows it can be very difficult to lose weight solely by exercise.

On the other hand, reducing caloric intake means reducing the amount of certain foods and drinks. It may mean an apple rather than a candy bar. It might mean fruit juice instead of that high-calorie cappuccino. The cravings that typically accompany dieting can be hard to quell.

Second, dieting has to be done right to be beneficial. It requires the right weight loss plan.

Too-rapid weight loss from drastic diets leads to a 'rebound' effect. All too many dieters know the frustration of seeing hard-to-shed pounds return a few months or a year later. It tends to encourage subsequent overeating as the dieter is motivated to just give up.

Dieting by foregoing needed nutrients presents even more of a health risk. We need a certain amount of unsaturated fats daily to have proper nerve function and hormone balance. Carbohydrates are the body's basic energy source, which is used to power everything we do from simple movements to life-preserving cellular reactions. Sodium and potassium are vital to proper heart and nerve function.

But there are definite health advantages for an individual who commits to a healthy diet and weight loss plan. Obesity is a factor in the development of diabetes. It increases the odds of coronary heart disease. It increases stress on bones. It often plays a role in depression. All these are serious health issues and dieting is one of the best ways to combat obesity.

It isn't mere vanity to want an attractive body, either. An attractive body is one that is fit. That leads to ample energy to carry out whatever goals one wants to pursue. Lack of energy makes it much harder to motivate oneself to complete challenging tasks.

There's nothing wrong with wanting an attractive form for psychological or social purposes either. Humans are social. It's appropriate to take pride in having achieved a certain body type, within the limits of what is possible to each of us. It presents an image of self-regard and that psychological self-assessment is a significant factor in basic health.

Done well, taken up as a long-term lifestyle strategy and not as a quick fix, dieting is healthy.

Primary Focus Should be on Health and Lifestyle More than Appearance

The focus in losing weight should be more on improving one's health than improving appearance. This is because there all sorts of extreme means of losing weight that do not improve health and may in fact worsen it. Healthy ways of losing weight are rewarding and add joyful improvements of lifestyle. A sense, not of sacrifice, but of reward. If you are healthier and happier, you will look better.

Extra Weight Makes Everyday Movement More Difficult

Being overweight adds stress not just psychologically but makes everyday physical activity more difficult to manage. Having excess body weight is associated with a higher mortality rate than people who are not overweight.

How Does One Lose Weight?

The essence of losing weight is to burn more calories than you consume. Weight loss need not be a tiresome and tedious process. In fact, you are more likely to succeed at it if you approach in an upbeat frame of mind. Losing weight actually adding more to your life rather than sacrifice. It may mean adding more healthy foods to your diet and finding new treats to replace junk food. Even with snacks, there are ways to create healthy variations of them that will be pleasing to your palate.

Surround Yourself with Expert Support and Positive People

Talk to accredited health practitioners. Surround yourself with people who are positive and encouraging. If anyone responds to your intentions like a "gunslinger," ready to shoot down your hopes of success, pay no heed to them. Sure, you may have tried to lose weight many times and someone is bound to remind you that you have tried in the past without success. If they do, just remind that all human advances in science, the arts, and health are due to repeated efforts, and would never have happened otherwise. Water will eventually carve rivers out of rock. Sometimes it takes repetition of effort to achieved desired objectives. Be persistent, be positive, and be happy.

Lose Weight in Ways that Keep up Your Energy Levels

Weight loss is often associated with a lack of energy and a sense of fatigue. If so, you are on the wrong program. Weight loss should be associated with increased vigor, happiness, and a sense of well-being. Is this a hard concept? Take a short relaxing walk and think about it.

Hunger Should Not be a Part of Any Lifestyle

With a change of lifestyle and diet that will lead to your losing weight, you should never feel hungry. Weight loss should not feel like deprivation and sacrifice. Therefore you should have a strategy to satisfy your hunger pangs in healthy ways. Losing weight is much more effective when there is a way to defeat hunger.

Diet and Deprivation

The word diet should not even be in your vocabulary. The key to improved health is a better lifestyle, and enjoying new things. Deprivation is just plain ugly and should have no place in your life. With the concept of diet, there is subtle suggestion of sacrifice. You should feel like a winner for cultivating your life, increasing your activity, eating better foods. Never beat yourself up if you cannot lose weight right away (and don't accept abuse from others). Instead, enjoy the new things you will add to your life, like a colorful assortment of fruits, new teas, vegetables, untried recipes, and lots of new activities. Have fun.

The Joys of Exercise

Exercise involves devoting some of your time to activity, so that you will enjoy an improvement of the quality of time you can devote to other things. With daily exercise of thirty or so mintues, even walks just in your neighborhood, your metabolism will increase and this means you will even burn more calories when you're resting! Again, exercise, should not be overly strenuous when you are just starting out. In fact, over exerting yourself is not only avoidable -- it is a bad idea. Gradually increase your physical activity levels doing things you like doing, or discovering new things, whether it is square-dancing or hoola hooping. Have fun with your physical activities.