Losing weight can be necessary to avoid myriad health consequences like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or even some types of cancer, as well as to boost self-esteem and confidence.

Models featured on fitness magazine covers and in supplement ads wield that standard example of a fit, strong body: the six-pack. Not every fit person has one, though; sometimes even those models are airbrushed into seeming perfection.

Losing 1 pound of body weight weekly is not only safe, but it helps you keep lost weight off for the long term, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of total calories you require daily to lose 1 pound per week depends on your usual calorie intake.

Massages are usually associated with relieving stress and muscle pain, not with losing weight. A massage may be relaxing, but there isn't really any scientific evidence to show that it improves weight-loss results. For that, you'll need to make changes to your diet and start exercising more often.

Picture yourself enclosed in the small, dry and hot depths of a sauna. As the scent of the aromatic cedar engulfs you, you stretch your tired muscles, feeling them relax. Researchers believe the nomadic Finns enjoyed this same experience thousands of years ago. The Finns used these "sweat baths"

Antioxidants play important roles in the body that are vital to maintaining good health and preventing disease. Although antioxidants are often promoted for an endless list of health benefits, they do not actually have a direct effect on weight loss.

After beginning a new diet and exercise program, many people experience a sudden drop in body weight, sometimes of more than five pounds in a week. This dramatic change is very encouraging, and motivates people to continue with their new lifestyle changes.

Your body needs all three macronutrients – protein, carbohydrates and fat – to function properly, but various weight-loss diets dictate the amount of each to eat in a day.

Even if you are not a fan of collard greens, sprouts or salads, it is still possible to lose weight and stay fit. The best weight loss plan is a healthy balance of daily exercise and a diet consisting of a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.

In the past, weight management in obese people relied solely on low-calorie or hypocaloric diets. Through research and scientific breakthroughs, it is apparent that weigh loss in obese people can be better achieved through a combination of hypocaloric dieting, lifestyle modification and exercise.

Regular sessions of cardiovascular exercise are essential for long-term weight loss. Not only does it burn calories, cardio also improves your health and function. The elliptical trainer is a popular piece of cardio equipment that is low-impact but offers a high-intensity workout.

Throughout your menstrual cycle, hormone levels fluctuate. Particularly severe changes occur during the one or two weeks before your period begins. As a result, you might experience premenstrual syndrome.