Thirty pounds of weight loss in 5 months can be accomplished by following a cardio, strength training and restricted-calorie diet, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can break down 5 months into 20 weeks to track your progress.

Getting and staying in shape after the age of 55 can be very difficult, but it is not impossible. Habits are ingrained at that point in life, and few people really want to do the work to change those habits. You may say you want to do it, but actually making the effort is a huge commitment.

The common cold can lead to slight weight loss because of a loss of appetite. On the other hand, a certain type of cold virus might lead to weight gain. More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the symptoms of the common cold.

Achieving a healthy weight improves your quality of life and makes you feel good about yourself. But you may notice you have less tolerance for cold environments and always reach for a cardigan or jacket -- even when others seem comfortable.

One week isn't a long time--certainly not enough to lose large amounts of weight. But teens looking to lose weight quickly, whether it be for the prom, spring break or for any reason, often stand a better shot of shedding multiple pounds in that span than do adults.

Ketosis occurs when a person is deprived of dietary carbohydrates, causing the body to burn glycogen and fat stores for energy. This can lead to rapid weight loss, which may cause late or missed periods in some women. If you are experiencing ketosis and your period is much later than usual, consult your doctor.

Running is an aerobic exercise that promotes healthy cardiovascular function by working large muscle groups in your legs, hips and arms. Regular aerobic activity is one part of an effective weight loss program.

Lexapro is a prescription medication used to treat depression and anxiety. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, and works on the serotonin neurotransmitter. Like many other antidepressants, Lexapro seems to cause weight gain as a side effect.

If you are suffering from excess belly fat, you may want to increase your fish oil intake. Fish oils contain a fatty acid known as omega-3 which cannot be produced by the body and must therefore be taken in through food.

In an effort to increase weight loss, or possibly lose weight at a more rapid pace, many people seek to increase the amount they sweat. Wearing a sweater will most likely accomplish that in certain conditions, but it won't translate into more calories being burned.

Acupuncturists use needles, finger pressure or acu-tacks to stimulate points on your body that are thought to rebalance your natural state of health. These points are found along 12 energy meridians mapped out through a system called traditional Chinese medicine. Each meridian controls different health functions.

If you're overweight at 191 pounds, weight loss can not only make you look better, but it can also improve your health. Being overweight heightens your risk of various health conditions including sleep apnea, stroke, heart disease, certain types of cancer and high blood pressure.