Women tend to lose about half of the weight gained during pregnancy by six weeks after giving birth, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Do not be discouraged if you find yourself with extra fat in your legs long after your baby is born.

Setting a specific duration of time to diet can motivate you to remain disciplined in order to reach your goal. Four weeks is a long enough period for you to establish healthy habits while also seeing results for your efforts.

An excellent machine for serious workouts, the stationary rower combined with a healthful diet can drive the pounds off fast. But healthful, quick weight loss might not be what you're used to hearing about on infomercial advertisements.

As you age, certain body parts hold onto fat deposits more than others; the upper arms is a prime area where this happens. This can create unattractive bulges when you wear swimsuits, t-shirts or tank tops.

In the game of weight loss and gain, the face is often one of the first places where people notice a difference. Depending on your genetics, you may have a naturally fuller, rounded face even if you're lean, whereas other people who are a few pounds overweight may have naturally hallow cheeks.

Losing a large amount of weight in a short amount of time in a healthy manner can be extremely difficult. Cast members on shows like “The Biggest Loser” are able to lose so much weight in a short amount of time because they are in a controlled environment.

Testosterone and weight loss in women are linked. Although testosterone is the male sex hormone, it is vital for good health in women, too. Estrogen, the female sex hormone, in excess can cause health problems. There are a few natural ways, however, to increase your testosterone levels.

The 30-Day Shred workout was designed by celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels. This weight loss DVD comprises three 20-minute circuit training workouts that are based on Jillian's 3-2-1 interval method.

The most effective way to fight belly fat is increased physical activity and dietary changes. Eating a reduced calorie diet will help you shed belly fat. However, there are special foods that help increase your metabolic rate and improve your workout sessions.

Oatmeal is a staple of many a childhood, the "stick-to-your-ribs" breakfast that helped you make it through the school day. Recent research has shown that the moms of yore were onto something — oatmeal does, in fact, stay with you longer than other grains and can be a valuable ally in the battle against belly fat.

The Atkins Diet website claims that you will lose up to 15 lbs. in the first two weeks, or phase 1, of the diet. During phase 2, which usually begins in your third week of the diet, you continue to lose weight, but at a more moderate rate, while adding more foods back into your diet.

You've got just two weeks to shrink your belly and hips before swimsuit season or that high school reunion. You can certainly jumpstart a weight-loss plan and see some results in two weeks, but how much depends on your starting weight and commitment.