Generally, these methods make you eat fewer calories overall, without having to consciously restrict calories during the eating periods. This should lead to weight loss, as well as numerous other health benefits Drinking green tea is linked with many benefits, such as increased fat burning and weight loss 39 , Matcha tea is a variety of powdered green tea that may have even more powerful health benefits than regular green tea.

Fruits and vegetables are extremely nutritious, weight-loss-friendly foods. In addition to being high in water, nutrients, and fiber, they usually have very low energy density. This makes it possible to eat large servings without consuming excess calories.

Numerous studies have shown that people who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to weigh less 45 , There are several effective ways to do this, including counting calories , keeping a food diary , or taking pictures of what you eat 47 , 48 , Using an app or another electronic tool may be even more beneficial than writing in a food diary 50 , Some studies have shown that using smaller plates helps you eat less, because it changes how you see portion sizes 52 , People seem to fill their plates the same, regardless of plate size, so they end up putting more food on larger plates than smaller ones Using smaller plates reduces how much food you eat, while giving you the perception of having eaten more Many studies have shown that low-carb diets are effective for weight loss.

Limiting carbs and eating more fat and protein reduces your appetite and helps you eat fewer calories This can result in weight loss that is up to 3 times greater than that from a standard low-fat diet 57 , A low-carb diet can also improve many risk factors for disease.

Fast eaters are much more likely to develop obesity, compared to those who eat more slowly Chewing more slowly may help you eat fewer calories and increase the production of hormones that are linked to weight loss 62 , Eggs are the ultimate weight loss food.

High-protein foods have been shown to reduce appetite and increase fullness, compared to foods that contain less protein 64 , 65 , 66 , It may also help you eat fewer calories throughout the rest of the day 4 , 5 , 6 , Chili peppers and jalapeños contain a compound called capsaicin , which may boost metabolism and increase the burning of fat 68 , 69 , 70 , Capsaicin may also reduce appetite and calorie intake 68 , Probiotics are live bacteria that have health benefits when eaten.

They can improve digestive health and heart health , and may even help with with weight loss 73 , Studies have shown that people who are overweight and people who have obesity tend to have different gut bacteria than average-weight people, which may influence weight 75 , 76 , Probiotics may help regulate the healthy gut bacteria.

They may also block the absorption of dietary fat, while reducing appetite and inflammation 78 , 79 , Of all the probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus gasseri shows the most promising effects on weight loss 81 , 82 , Getting enough sleep is incredibly important for weight loss, as well as to prevent future weight gain.

This number is even higher for children This is partly because sleep deprivation disrupts the daily fluctuations in appetite hormones , leading to poor appetite regulation 85 , Fiber-rich foods may help with weight loss. Foods that contain water-soluble fiber may be especially helpful, since this type of fiber can help increase the feeling of fullness.

Fiber may delay stomach emptying, make the stomach expand and promote the release of satiety hormones 87 , 88 , This can help you eat less without having to think about it. Many types of fiber can feed the friendly gut bacteria.

Healthy gut bacteria have been linked with a reduced risk of obesity 90 , 91 , Just make sure to increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid abdominal discomfort, such as bloating , cramps , and diarrhea. Many people brush or floss their teeth or use mouthwash after eating. Dental hygiene products can temporarily affect the taste of food and beverages, which may help limit the desire to snack or eat between meals Food addiction involves overpowering cravings and changes in your brain chemistry that make it harder to resist eating certain foods.

This is a major cause of overeating for many people, and affects a significant percentage of the population. Some foods are much more likely to cause symptoms of addiction than others.

This includes highly processed junk foods that are high in sugar, fat, or both. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help. Cardio has been shown to improve many risk factors for heart disease. It can also help reduce body weight 95 , Cardio seems to be particularly effective at reducing the fat that builds up around your organs and causes metabolic disease 97 , Loss of muscle mass is a common side effect of dieting.

If you lose a lot of muscle, your body will start burning fewer calories than before 99 , Resistance exercises, like lifting weights , can help prevent this loss in muscle mass , Most people get enough protein from diet alone.

One study shows that replacing part of your calories with whey protein can cause significant weight loss, while also increasing lean muscle mass , Just make sure to read the ingredients list, because some varieties are loaded with sugar and other additives.

One study found that drinking water before a meal reduced the amount of food consumed, without significantly affecting satiety Another study showed that drinking 1 pint milliliters of water before a meal decreased calorie intake and hunger while also increasing fullness and satisfaction If you replace calorie-loaded drinks — such as soda or juice — with water, you may experience an even greater effect Drinking water before meals may help you eat fewer calories.

Replacing a sugary drink with water is particularly beneficial. Paying attention to what you eat may help you consume fewer calories. This, in turn, can cause overeating. Additionally, absent-mindedness during a meal has an even greater influence on your intake later in the day.

If you regularly consume meals while watching TV or using electronic devices, you could be inadvertently eating more. These extra calories add up and have a massive impact on your weight in the long term.

However, more research is needed, as studies have turned up mixed results on how mindful eating may affect food consumption 18 , 19 , People who eat while distracted are more likely to overeat.

Paying attention to your meals may help you eat less and lose weight, but more research is needed. When it comes to health, people often neglect sleep and stress. Both, in fact, have powerful effects on your appetite and weight. A lack of sleep may disrupt the appetite-regulating hormones leptin and ghrelin.

Having these hormones fluctuate can increase your hunger and cravings, leading to higher calorie intake 22 , Poor sleep and excess stress may imbalance several important appetite-regulating hormones, causing you to eat more.

High consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages , such as soda, has been linked with a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes According to one meta-analysis, replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with low calorie or no calorie sweetened beverages could be linked to reductions in body weight, BMI, and percent body fat Lower calorie beverage options include water and plain or lightly sweetened coffee or green tea.

Sugary drinks have been linked to an increased risk of weight gain and many health conditions. Many simple lifestyle habits can help you lose weight. Some have nothing to do with conventional diet or exercise plans.

You can use smaller plates, eat more slowly, drink water, and avoid eating in front of the TV or computer. Prioritizing foods rich in protein and viscous fiber may also help. Experiment with one technique for a while, and if that works well for you then try another one.

A few simple changes can have a massive impact on your weight over the long term. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Highly effective, well-researched ways lose weight include limiting processed foods, drinking more green tea, and taking probiotics. Calories matter, but counting them is not at all necessary to lose weight. Here are 7 scientifically proven ways to lose fat on "autopilot. Many weight loss diets exist and each claims to be the best.

This is a review of the 9 most popular weight loss diets and the science behind them. You've probably been told it's better to lose weight slowly rather than quickly.

But is it true? This article takes a look at the evidence. The 17 Day Diet promises quick weight loss by switching up your food combinations and calorie intake through different cycles.

However, when people are under constant stress, cortisol can remain in the bloodstream for longer, which will increase their appetite and potentially lead to them eating more. Insulin then transports the sugar from carbohydrates from the blood to the muscles and brain. If the individual does not use this sugar in fight or flight, the body will store it as fat.

If an individual does not immediately use this sugar, the body will either store it is glycogen, the storage form of glucose, or fat. Researchers found that implementing an 8-week stress-management intervention program alongside a low-calorie diet resulted in a significant reduction in the body mass index BMI of children and adolescents who were overweight or have obesity.

Losing 10 pounds in 3 days is an unrealistic goal for most people and could entail unsafe dieting behaviors. Rapid weight loss like this may also make it more likely that someone will put weight back on, rather than losing the weight permanently. To lose 20 pounds in a month, people must burn more calories than they take in, either through dietary changes or increased physical activity.

However, rapid weight loss like this may not be a viable long-term option and could increase the risk of health complications, such as gallstones. Losing weight too quickly may also increase the risk of certain health complications, such as gallstones, or complications associated with unhealthy dieting behaviors, such as dehydration or nutritional deficiencies.

People who experience rapid weight loss may be more likely to put weight back on in the future. The CDC recommends that people aim for steady, gradual weight loss of around 1—2 pounds per week.

This should include 10 portions of fruit and vegetables, good quality protein, and whole grains. It is also beneficial to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Losing weight effectively and avoiding weight regain involves a number of factors.

Learn how to lose weight here. Fad diets and rapid weight loss can be unsafe and often lead to people regaining the weight later on. In this article, learn how to lose weight safely….

People often want to lose weight quickly, but there is a risk of malnourishment, or of giving up and putting on more weight than before. What are the best exercises for weight loss? Find out the best types of exercise for weight loss, according to research, and get other useful tips.

Losing 10 pounds safely is possible in 5—10 weeks or more. Creating a calorie deficit, eating a nutritious diet, and moving more are important factors. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. How to naturally lose weight fast. Medically reviewed by Amy Richter, RD , Nutrition — By Tracey Williams Strudwick — Updated on November 8, Intermittent fasting Tracking diet and exercise Mindful eating Protein with meals Avoid sugar Fiber Gut bacteria balance Sleep Managing stress FAQ Takeaway Many diets, supplements, and meal replacement plans claim to ensure rapid weight loss, but lack any scientific evidence.

Science-backed ways to lose weight. Trying intermittent fasting. Tracking your diet and exercise.

For example, grilled peach topped with vanilla yogurt and shaved almonds is amazing! A study published in November in the journal Nutrients found that subjects who were given small breakfast and large dinners lost significantly less weight than those assigned to a large breakfast and a smaller dinner.

So here we see how smaller meals in the latter part of the day may be an advantage to those who want to lose weight and improve overall health.

The interesting thing about this study was the time the dinner was eaten. They found that eating the main meal larger meal too late after 3 p. was associated with difficulty with losing weight.

Each person has individual needs, which may require additional snacks and food, such as those who are pregnant, are breastfeeding, have diabetes, or take medication that require certain foods.

This is why it is so important that you seek a consultation with a registered dietitian nutritionist. I'm such a fan of the concept that I wrote a book about it! Taking 5 to 10 minutes over the weekend to write out a menu for the week ahead will save you time, money, and unwanted calories down the road.

Not sure what to make for dinner tonight? No worries, it's already on your menu plan. Menu planning is a great way to stay organized, and know what groceries you need to buy and what you already have on hand, and it will help ensure a balanced plate.

Keep in mind, a night off from cooking and ordering takeout or making a frozen meal is a totally acceptable part of the menu plan.

The benefit is knowing ahead that you'll be doing that so you're not scrounging when hunger sets in. And be sure to write down the plan — you're more likely to stick to it if it's in front of you as a reminder. Jessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN , a culinary nutrition and communications dietitian based in Westchester County, New York.

Knowing in advance what you need to purchase at the supermarket will save you time, reduce food waste, and prevent you from purchasing items that look appealing but you don't actually need.

To stick with your list, avoid shopping when hungry. Research shows an increase in impulsive behavior at that time.

Some staple ingredients I recommend having in your pantry, fridge, and freezer are low-sodium canned beans, canned fish, tomato sauce, whole-grain pasta, quinoa , brown rice, low-sodium stock, low-fat plain yogurt, a variety of fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, olive oil, and dried herbs and spices.

These are just some of the ingredients that can form the base of a healthy and delicious meal. For example, a seasoned cast-iron skillet is one of my favorite pans to cook eggs, saute vegetables, and make pancakes, since I don't have to use as much oil or butter to keep food from sticking. Some of my other favorite kitchen tools are an immersion blender, Instant Pot, baking sheets, measuring cups and spoons, and a hand juicer.

And of course anyone working in the kitchen should have a quality set of knives. Getting into the habit of flipping your packages over can save you time, money and even calories. Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy.

We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

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By Lambeth Hochwald and Leslie Barrie. Medically Reviewed. Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES. RELATED: Weight Loss Reframed Special Report There are also multiple studies suggesting having strong social support in your weight loss effort can help, whether that comes from family and friends, a coach , or even an app or online community.

An Easy Way To Reduce Fat While Cooking Chef Daniel Green shows you how to cut back on fat with this easy cooking hack. Next up video playing in 10 seconds. Palumbo, RDN , a nutrition consultant from Naperville, Illinois Read Food Labels Getting into the habit of flipping your packages over can save you time, money and even calories.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Resources Silva LV et al. Association of Minimally Processed and Ultra-Processed Food Daily Consumption With Obesity in Overweight Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrición Hospitalaria. June 21, Kahleova H et al. Dietary Advanced Glycation Products and Their Associations With Insulin Sensitivity and Body Weight: A Week Randomized Clinical Trial.

Obesity Science and Practice. October 17, Landry MJ et al. Cardiometabolic Effects of Omnivorous vs Vegan Diets in Identical Twins.

JAMA Network. Creating a calorie deficit, eating a nutritious diet, and moving more are important factors. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health?

Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. How to naturally lose weight fast. Medically reviewed by Amy Richter, RD , Nutrition — By Tracey Williams Strudwick — Updated on November 8, Intermittent fasting Tracking diet and exercise Mindful eating Protein with meals Avoid sugar Fiber Gut bacteria balance Sleep Managing stress FAQ Takeaway Many diets, supplements, and meal replacement plans claim to ensure rapid weight loss, but lack any scientific evidence.

Science-backed ways to lose weight. Trying intermittent fasting. Tracking your diet and exercise. Eating mindfully. Eating protein with meals. Cutting back on sugar and refined carbohydrates. Eating plenty of fiber. Balancing gut bacteria. Managing your stress levels. Frequently asked questions.

How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause.

RSV vaccine errors in babies, pregnant people: Should you be worried? Scientists discover biological mechanism of hearing loss caused by loud noise — and find a way to prevent it. How gastric bypass surgery can help with type 2 diabetes remission. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome.

Related Coverage. How can I lose weight? Medically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP. If you weigh pounds 82 kilograms , that's 9 pounds 4 kilograms.

Even this level of weight loss can help lower your risk of chronic health problems, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. When you're setting goals, think about both process and outcome goals.

It isn't essential that you have an outcome goal, but you should set process goals because changing your habits is a key to weight loss. Adopting a new eating style that promotes weight loss must include lowering your total calorie intake.

But decreasing calories need not mean giving up taste, satisfaction or even ease of meal preparation. One way you can lower your calorie intake is by eating more plant-based foods — fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Strive for variety to help you achieve your goals without giving up taste or nutrition. While you can lose weight without exercise, regular physical activity plus calorie restriction can help give you the weight-loss edge.

Exercise can help burn off the excess calories you can't cut through diet alone. Exercise also offers numerous health benefits, including boosting your mood, strengthening your cardiovascular system and reducing your blood pressure.

Exercise can also help in maintaining weight loss. Studies show that people who maintain their weight loss over the long term get regular physical activity. How many calories you burn depends on the frequency, duration and intensity of your activities.

One of the best ways to lose body fat is through steady aerobic exercise — such as brisk walking — for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Some people may require more physical activity than this to lose weight and maintain that weight loss.

Any extra movement helps burn calories. Think about ways you can increase your physical activity throughout the day if you can't fit in formal exercise on a given day. For example, make several trips up and down stairs instead of using the elevator, or park at the far end of the lot when shopping.

It's not enough to eat healthy foods and exercise for only a few weeks or even months if you want long-term, successful weight management.

These habits must become a way of life. Lifestyle changes start with taking an honest look at your eating patterns and daily routine. After assessing your personal challenges to weight loss, try working out a strategy to gradually change habits and attitudes that have sabotaged your past efforts.

Then move beyond simply recognizing your challenges — plan for how you'll deal with them if you're going to succeed in losing weight once and for all.

You likely will have an occasional setback. But instead of giving up entirely after a setback, simply start fresh the next day. Remember that you're planning to change your life. It won't happen all at once.

Stick to your healthy lifestyle and the results will be worth it. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

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