Your late forties is a good time to get serious about losing extra weight, as you can protect your body from some of the negative effects of aging by getting in better shape.

Weight loss can help you look and feel better, and might even lower the risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. A diet doesn't need to be overly restrictive, though, and making specific foods off-limits can potentially make them more desirable.

Just because you've been able to carve out 90 minutes a day for cardio doesn't mean you should be doing that much -- at least at first. Unless you're already fit, going for 90 minutes at a time every day might be too much. It's important to start slowly and give yourself breaks to prevent burnout and injury.

Because water is a no-calorie beverage, you'll lose weight if it's all you're consuming. The number of pounds you drop may vary depending on the length of your fast. A water fast probably won't lead to long-lasting weight loss, however. Consult your doctor before doing any type of fast to discuss risks and benefits.

Don’t fall for the mythical fat burning zone listed on the heart rate monitor of your favorite cardio machine at the gym.

A combination of diet and exercise changes is the most effective way for post-menopausal women to lose weight and body fat, according to a study published in Obesity in 2012.

A fractured, or broken, ankle can result in either minimal damage that allows you to put weight on it during your recovery, or a significant amount of damage, requiring you to stay off your feet quite a bit. Multiple fractures can keep you entirely off your feet for up to three months.

Let's face it: losing weight isn't fun because it's associated with hard work and commitment. Still, if you want to lose weight for an upcoming special occasion, a gradual approach is best. Ideally, you're able to create a healthy lifestyle that doesn't feel like you're overexerting or depriving yourself.

If you're considering drastic measures such as a crash diet to quickly slim down, reconsider. Overly restrictive diets that require you to cut out entire food groups are dangerous to your health and slow your metabolism. The weight you lose is mainly water weight, which you will quickly gain back.

Daily exercise can help shed extra weight. While the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition recommends a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity, 300 minutes per week are recommended when you're trying to lose weight.

Riding a bike burns calories and can help you lose weight and not create big legs. Some body types build muscle more easily than others. Riding your bike provides non-impact aerobic exercise and contributes to burning body fat. Bicycling regularly can make your legs thinner.

Although they call it a beer belly, the excess fat that men store around their midsections can't just be blamed on beer. Sure, alcohol contains a lot of calories, especially if you're into mixed drinks that are high in sugar.