Donate
Your Guide to Mental Health and Wellness
Mental Health Helplines

Are you or someone you know in crisis?

View Worldwide Helplines
Health & Wellness

Weight Loss

If you’ve tried and failed to lose weight before, you may believe that it’s just too difficult. But there are effective ways to avoid common dieting pitfalls and find tasty, filling choices that are energizing and healthy.

View FAQs

Explore Weight Loss

Weight Loss FAQs

How can I lose weight fast?
Because there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution to weight loss, the fastest and most effective way for you to lose weight will vary from person to person. Since we often respond differently to different foods, what works for someone else may not work for you. Some people find success counting calories, while others lose weight by cutting down on sugar and refined carbs. Others focus on controlling emotional eating, practicing mindful eating, or following a diet based on vegetables and healthy fats, such as the Mediterranean diet. Pairing dietary changes with more physical activity can also work. Be prepared to try different approaches until you find the strategy that works best for you—a diet and exercise plan that you can live with.
Does Mounjaro work for weight loss?
Mounjaro, the brand name for tirzepatide, is a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce blood sugar in adults with type-2 diabetes. Studies have shown that Mounjara, in conjunction with diet and exercise, can also lead to weight loss. While the drug is not FDA-approved for weight loss alone, a doctor may prescribe it off-label for that purpose.
How many calories should I eat to lose weight?
To determine how many calories you should eat to lose weight, you’ll need to do some math. Multiply your weight by 15, which is how many calories per pound of weight is needed to maintain your current weight (if you’re already exercising for 30 minutes a day). If you weigh 170 pounds, for example, your weight-maintenance calorie count is 2,550 per day. To lose weight, you’ll want to consume less than that number. However, women should aim to consume at least 1,200 calories a day, and men should consume at least 1,500, unless your doctor recommends otherwise. Your typical activity level, genetics, and other factors also play a role in weight loss, so talk to your doctor or a dietician for a safe, personalized approach to weight loss.
What are healthy snacks for weight loss?
Good snacks for weight loss are often focused on healthy fats and high-fiber foods. Monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and fiber can make you feel full and reduce hunger, which, in turn, can aid weight loss. Avocados and nuts are packed with healthy fats. Vegetables, such as carrots and celery, and fruits, such strawberries and pears, can make filling and nutritious snacks that are high in fiber to keep you feeling full throughout the day.
What’s the best exercise to lose weight?
Cardio training (also known as aerobic exercise) tends to burn more calories than resistance or strength training. So, exercises like jumping rope, running, walking, and cycling, are often best for shedding pounds. However, don’t neglect resistance workouts, such as weightlifting. These activities tend to burn fewer calories than cardio, but they do build muscle mass. It’s also worth noting that, depending on your body’s unique needs and your current eating habits, exercise alone may not be enough to lose weight. Consider adjusting your dietary habits in addition to increasing your physical activity.
Advertisement
Try online therapy

Get professional help from Betterhelp’s network of 30,000 licensed therapists.

Get 20% off