17.   Know whether you’re considered obese. Being obese simply means that you are at least twenty pounds overweight, according to the medical definition. Since obesity is linked to the development of medical problems like diabetes, heart disease, strokes and cancer it is dangerous to remain obese for an extended period of time.  If you are twenty or more pounds overweight, consider your options now and talk to your doctor about a healthy eating and exercise plan that can improve your overall health through weight loss.

18.  Drinking green tea may help you lose weight. Green tea has many health benefits.  Perhaps the most important benefit for people who want to lose weight is that green tea stimulates the body’s metabolism and increases the rate at which fat is burned.  Consider switching from coffee to green tea in the morning and the benefits will be almost immediately visible.

19.   Adapt your plan. Even if you’ve decided to follow a weight loss program, or join a weight loss center, know that it is ok to adapt this plan to meet your lifestyle and tastes.  For example, if you work long hours it may be necessary for you to forego dinner until 9 p.m. instead of the prescribed 5 p.m.  Or, you may need to have shorter, more frequent exercise sessions. Whatever works best for you is fine. As long as you stick with it!

20.  If you do nothing else, be aware. Being aware of what and how much you are eating and how much you are moving is the first step in the weight loss process.  Even if you make no changes and just focus on awareness, chances are that you will begin to modify your lifestyle subconsciously. What a great way to embark on the weight loss process!

21. Get online.  The Internet is a great place to find resources and communities where you can get much needed advice and support as you lose weight. You will find inspiration, motivation and tips for keeping the weight off at the click of a mouse.

22.  Don’t waste your money on spa treatments. When weight loss is your goal, avoid gimmicky offers by spas and retailers offering miracle machines, treatments, pills and lotions that will supposedly make you lose weight (without having to actually DO anything).  There is no magic way to lose weight – so keep your money and start thinking healthier to give your weight loss a boost. That’s not to say that you can’t treat yourself to a spa treatment. When you feel happier you’ll be more likely to stick to your weight loss plan. Maybe make a trip to the spa your reward for sticking to your plan all week long!

23.   Accept yourself. One of the most effective ways to lose weight is to develop a positive self-image.  Accept yourself the way you are, and recognize that everyone can be improved in some way.  By accepting yourself, you are actually setting the stage for a more rewarding weight loss experience. One way to do this is to make a list of all the attributes you value in yourself. When you become obsessed with your weight you can look at this list and get some much needed optimism.

24.  Talk to your insurance provider. You might be surprised to learn that your medical insurance carrier may be willing to reimburse you for participating in a weight loss program, or even joining a fitness club!  What a great way to offset the cost of making a healthy lifestyle change! And, your insurance provider probably has nutritionists and fitness experts on staff to help you through the process of losing weight.

25.  Talk to your doctor before taking any weight loss pills. All over the television and the Internet there are countless stories about the negative side effects of weight loss pills. Many of the hot selling diet supplements over the past decade have ended up being harmful. Before taking anything – even if it claims to be all natural – talk to your doctor or nutritionist. The short term gains these pills provide are overshadowed by the potential long term risks to your health.

26.  Understand Body Mass Index (BMI). Body mass index is a number that helps you to translate the amount of health risk that you face as a result of your current weight. The measurement tells you the amount of fat that your body is currently storing based upon a ratio between your height and weight. The higher your BMI, the more at risk you are. Losing just a few pounds will allow you to reduce your BMI and at the same time reduce your risk of developing serious health problems now and in the future. Find out your BMI with the online calculator at :  http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

27.  Don’t forget that rapid weight loss is harmful. According to researchers, people who lose weight at a rate of 3 or more pounds per week stand a much higher risk of developing gallstones and other gall bladder related problems. Studies show that the risk is about 20% higher in people who experience rapid weight loss. When you lose weight quickly you are also significantly more likely to put it back on again (and then some!) Aim to keep your weight loss to one or two pounds per week.