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Alli is the manufacturer name for Orlistat. If the name Orlistat sounds familiar to you, then you may have been among the hundreds of thousands of people who purchased Olestra fat-substitute potato chips during the mid-nineties, which promised to help control fat. This product was originally touted to not only offer a fat-substitute chip, but to also help the body reduce up to 30% of the fat you ingest on a daily basis. The side effects? Diarrhea, stomach cramping and oily poop.

Alli, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline in FDA approved pill form, (and an over-the-counter less-potent form of Xenical) touts similar benefits and side effects.  Without getting an exact chemical make-up of these two products, it is impossible at this writing to determine how alike they truly are.  But most roads lead to the fact that they are one-in-the-same.

Olestra was submitted for FDA approval by Procter and Gamble.  Even then, the introduction of Olestra was met with a storm of protest.  For one thing, vitamins A, D, E and K are delivered via oils.  Since Olestra cannot determine which oil, bad or good, is affected by its mechanism, both are removed from the system.  Mechanics.  That is another trail that leads this author to believe they are one-in-the-same product.  Olestra blocked the absorption of fat throughout the intestines. Alli diet pill behaves in the same manner. 

As far as using this product as part of a diet regime, its proponents are not promising the moon.  They agree that it only increases weight loss by about 5% when used with a viable food and exercise program. The big hype is that it is FDA approved for over-the-counter sales and, just like in the case of Olestra, its approval was protested because of the possible vitamin deficiencies that could occur from its use.

Alli’s website suggests their clients plan on a gradual weight loss and offers an accompanying book that educates the user with regard to modifying food intake and increasing exercise. When addressing side effect issues, those that are outside the obvious embarrassment of leaking bowels are considered a matter of user responsibility.  In other words, Alli will not take responsibility for your dietary choices while using the pill and does not espouse recognition of any additional side effects than the aforementioned embarrassing discomfort.  In fact, it holds that the gastrointestinal affects that may accompany its use are not serious enough to be considered adverse.

That, however, is not what the food industry decided when it pulled Olestra-laden chips from the shelves.  The gastrointestinal side effects were so wide-spread that the products were pulled within six months.  Furthermore, most physicians believed that its far-too-sparse benefits are outweighed by the fact that a patient with true symptoms of serious disease might not seek medical attention, if they believe their malady is associated with the pill.  Therefore, since the use of this pill does not have to be monitored by a physician, it is best for the potential user to educate themselves as to the pros and cons associated with its use.

Body Mass Index is a mathematical equation regarding weight vs. height. By knowing how tall you are and how much you weigh, a BMI chart can tell you whether you are currently underweight, normal, overweight or obese. Many BMI calculators exist to make it simple for you to find your body mass index and determine how healthy or unhealthy your weight is.

This amazing tool was formulated between 1830 and 1850 by the Belgian, Quetelet, who was a pioneer in social physics and statistical reasoning. Since the advent of his formulation, it has been translated from its original kilogram/meter based equation to pounds/inches, and is used globally as a point-of-reference for generally assessing a person’s weight to body-frame ratio.

There are certain pitfalls within the BMI index. There are variables in skeleton density, muscle mass and special circumstance, such as Asian cultures who to be smaller in stature. But, as a tool for determining whether one’s weight is generally in-line, it is invaluable. For example, if you were 6’ 3” tall, you could vary between 170 and 210 pounds, and still not be considered overweight. That is a forty pound fluctuation. But your frame, due to your height, could handle that weight with ease. If however, you were around 5 feet tall, your weight should fluctuate no more than twenty to twenty-five pounds, (within the 110 to 135 pound range).

Doctors consider the BMI Index for both your normal and current weight. The difference between an 18.5 and 30 score was a calculation of the extra pressures placed upon the skeletal frame. This calculation, performed in metric, is astoundingly accurate concerning the strain of gravity against movement and posture. When translated to pounds versus inches, however, it looses some of its accuracy, unless positioned into a chart that displays these disparities.

BMI was developed for adults, because our structural frame has reached its maximum height. Thus, a calculation that basically states our body weight should equal our height squared, (translated from metrics), is a completely viable observation. However, it becomes more difficult to use the BMI with regard to children.

In the past, childhood BMI calculations were compiled against the “norm.” In other words, in the same manner that Assessment Tests in schools compare their results to all children tested, (percentile scoring), the BMI for children has always compared data concerning height and age. Sadly, obesity in children is nearing the 50% level. Thus, the BMI Index, will most likely have to be redressed for children in the years to come.

Fortunately, in today’s world we have additional tools that can diagnose adipose weight. For the athlete and the slightly overweight, skinfold measuring is extremely accurate. Range of movement is being considered, since it has been noted that the more obese a patient is, the less range of movement they have.

Most self-motivated dieters who are taking initiative without the aide of a doctor, have a goal in mind, based on the weight they were when they felt their very best. For those who have never experienced a norm, however, the BMI Index is certainly a valuable tool for determining both current status and future goals.

NutriSystem began as a franchised, physical-location outlet for weight loss, back in 1971. It grew to become the largest weight-loss program of its kind by the early 90s. But something was amiss, and in early 1993, the company filed for bankruptcy. What saved the company was its new-found focus on direct-delivery foods. Eventually, they simplified both their registration and order process, and closed their physical sites.

Competition became keen at the turn of the century when the company was purchased by Hagan and Jankovic.  Their approach was to make the products available on-line and re-established customer awareness through heavy television-marketing campaigns. Additionally, the company aligned itself with some easily-recognized exercise programs, Pilates among them. Today, they also offer exercise equipment and are opening women’s fitness centers across the nation.
NutriSystem has always been about cutting calories. To ensure their customers follow the plan, they provide the limited 450 calorie food in ten-day bundles consisting of shakes and three low-calorie microwavable-meals. Their meals are based on the Food Guide Pyramid, and contain 60% carbohydrates, 20% protein and 20% fat. They believe there is only one bottom line when attempting to lose weight, and that is, to consume less calories than you burn. Many proponents agree. Customers do lose weight on their plan.
The most common complaints regarding this plan have been two-fold: There has traditionally been no on-going education provided to consumers with regard to food preparation after achieving one’s desired weight. Thus, many former clients regained the lost weight when cooking for themselves. NutriSystem is now addressing this situation. The company has purportedly updated their site to include a wealth of on-line support, counseling, and other information not previously available.

The second complaint revolves around the food products themselves. A recent class-action lawsuit against NutriSystem bespoke of low quality, high sodium food that tasted like cardboard, and/or of substitutions being included in the bundles, with no options to receive the original food ordered, nor a refund. Sadly, this very complaint is affecting physicians, desiring to address their patient’s weight problems.  These good doctors were drawn to the NutriSystem pre-prepared foods. The reason? Typically, an over-eating American needs immediate gratification when hunger pangs strike. By having a readily-available meal or shake that can be prepared in under five minutes, NutriSystem effectively combated this problem. However, many doctors are exploring the option of other pre-prepared meal diet plans, because their patients are complaining so voraciously about both the price and the quality provided by NutriSystem.
Past history aside, it is important to note that NutriSystem is making a concerted effort to turn things around.  With the addition of on-line support, counseling and a long list of informational resources concerning not only food, but exercise, they are gaining ground.  In fact, the easily accessible exercise programs and their alliances with exercise equipment companies, indicate NutriSystem may yet re-emerge as a leader in the weight-loss field.  Customer reviews are improving, which demonstrates that NutriSystem is headed in the right direction.  It is fair to say this is company appears to be moving ahead with more determinedness than ever before. 

Medifast is a long-term player in the pre-prepared foods, diet plan market. With more than 25 years experience and extensive research, including a study conducted at John Hopkins University in 2003 regarding diabetics with weight problems and a study in 1998 at the National Institute for Health, it is a verified program that is considered both effective and medically safe.

Initially, Medifast dieters are put on a very strict regime of protein and carbohydrate shakes, designed to limit caloric intake and to encourage the body to burn fat stores. This is a five week plan wherein the body will undergo certain changes, including an increase in mild ketone production. Studies were imperative when this methodology was utilized, because ketone measurements are carefully monitored in cases of diabetes. (Ketones are the signature metabolism present in urine when the body is burning body fat and/or when the body is not producing enough insulin).

Although Medifast might be considered a high-protein/low carbohydrate proponent, it is really only during the initial phase that the amount of carbohydrates (and calories), is strictly monitored, via the substitution of pre-mixed shakes for meals. After this initial phase, dieters begin to rediscover the lean group of vegetables and later, after their desired weight is obtained, they reintroduce the more starch-laden carbohydrates, such as carrots, peas, potatoes, etc.

In today’s fast-moving world, there are a lot of people who appreciate the fact that all the Medifast meals are pre-prepared. (Except for the shake mixes, which are easy enough to make). The cost isn’t that much more than the average person would spend at the grocery store and, since a great majority of grocery shopping would otherwise be spent buying fat producing candies and nutrient-deficient food, the estimated $300 per month is a small price to pay for improved energy and health.

It is important to note that exercise, during the initial phase of Medifast, is not encouraged. This is due to the fact that before your body begins burning fat for fuel, there is a period where it will tap into previously-ingested toxins. Burning these toxins as fuel can lead to lethargy, dizziness and a myriad of other symptoms. Once the body begins to burn stored fat, these toxins will be released in a two-step process, linked to fat burning, that will prevent their immediate access to the blood stream. (They are trapped by the body’s release of CO2 and lactic acid). Thus, the proponents of Medifast encourage exercise programs to begin only after the client has completed the first stage of the diet.

Medifast is not short on testimonials nor on Health Advisors. During a progressive move in 2006, (designed to garner ongoing support for each and every client), Medifast developed an Avon-type agent structure. Their goal is to provide Health Advisors in neighborhoods all around the country, so that help is just a phone call away for their clients. This is a very innovative idea and, if successful, will certainly be emulated by other weight loss programs.

A diet “guru” named Jorge Cruise is rising in popularity.  His articles appear in popular magazines, he has been a featured guest on Oprah, and he is a best-selling author.  His newest endeavor is his 3-Hour Diet Plan website, where he offers fully-prepared meals, for those of us too busy to revise our eating practices according to his diet plan.

His books include, “8 Minutes in the Morning,” the “3-Hour Diet Plan,” and “12-Second Sequence.” His approach is simple.  Eat every three hours.  His promise?  That we will rid ourselves of dangerous belly fat.
His theories do, in fact, have basis. Health proponents have suggested for years that we eat healthy snacks. By doing so, we replenish energy stores and increase mental capacity.
Mr. Cruise suggests that the release of cortisol (produced by the adrenals), is dramatically diminished when we eat more frequently.  He is correct. But why wouldn’t we want to produce cortisol when our body asks for it?

The answer is simple.  Our body wasn’t designed to perform daily tasks through hormones, alone.
Not only does the action of releasing cortisol send messages to other hormone-producing organs to shut down growth, reproduction and immune systems; but the adverse side-effects of long-term cortisol production are well-documented.
The brain doesn’t function as well.  The thyroid is suppressed.  Blood sugar can become imbalanced.  We might lose bone density or experience decreased muscle tissue.  There is a risk of higher blood pressure, lowered immune capacity and inflammatory responses. Additionally, too much cortisol actually contributes to abdominal fat; the very condition we are trying to avoid.
By supplying a constant level of whole foods, our bodies can more competently respond. The full regimen of B-vitamins (most readily available from whole grains), not only provide stress-calming chemicals for our brain, but lubricates our joints, aids in digestion, and affords us a slow-and-steady release of nutrients, so that sugar levels do not rise or fall suddenly.
The vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables nourish internal organs, provide energy and promote calmness. (We are, by now, familiar with the benefits of calcium, magnesium, vitamin c, and zinc for countering stress and protecting our immune system).

The Cruise diet also stresses the importance of fats.  Nutritionally, this is also sound.  But dieticians complain that he does not discriminate between trans-fats and healthy fats.  Cold pressed oils, raw nuts, and avocados, deliver vitamins A,D,E and K throughout our system and keep the cholesterol in our body soluble. Trans-fatty acids however, not only affect cholesterol adversely, but do not have the molecular structure to deliver these all-important vitamins.

It is apparent that Mr. Cruise does not want to enter into the good-food/bad-food dialogue, a strategy common in diet plans. But nutritionists hope he will educate his readers as to the preference for healthier fats, whenever possible.
Mr. Cruise’s basic position is sound.  Additionally, he provides techniques that help you anticipate your body’s request for food, provides solid education concerning food choices and a support system to help you utilize these skills. 

A diet “guru” named Jorge Cruise is rising in popularity. His articles appear in popular magazines, he has been a featured guest on Oprah, and he is a best-selling author. His newest endeavor is his 3-Hour Diet Plan website, where he offers fully-prepared meals, for those of us too busy to revise our eating practices according to his diet plan.

His books include, “8 Minutes in the Morning,” the “3-Hour Diet Plan,” and “12-Second Sequence.” His approach is simple. Eat every three hours. His promise? That we will rid ourselves of dangerous belly fat.

His theories do, in fact, have basis. Health proponents have suggested for years that we eat healthy snacks. By doing so, we replenish energy stores and increase mental capacity.

Mr. Cruise suggests that the release of cortisol (produced by the adrenals), is dramatically diminished when we eat more frequently. He is correct. But why wouldn’t we want to produce cortisol when our body asks for it?

The answer is simple. Our body wasn’t designed to perform daily tasks through hormones, alone.

Not only does the action of releasing cortisol send messages to other hormone-producing organs to shut down growth, reproduction and immune systems; but the adverse side-effects of long-term cortisol production are well-documented.

The brain doesn’t function as well. The thyroid is suppressed. Blood sugar can become imbalanced. We might lose bone density or experience decreased muscle tissue. There is a risk of higher blood pressure, lowered immune capacity and inflammatory responses. Additionally, too much cortisol actually contributes to abdominal fat; the very condition we are trying to avoid.

By supplying a constant level of whole foods, our bodies can more competently respond. The full regimen of B-vitamins (most readily available from whole grains), not only provide stress-calming chemicals for our brain, but lubricates our joints, aids in digestion, and affords us a slow-and-steady release of nutrients, so that sugar levels do not rise or fall suddenly.

The vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables nourish internal organs, provide energy and promote calmness. (We are, by now, familiar with the benefits of calcium, magnesium, vitamin c, and zinc for countering stress and protecting our immune system).

The Cruise diet also stresses the importance of fats. Nutritionally, this is also sound. But dieticians complain that he does not discriminate between trans-fats and healthy fats. Cold pressed oils, raw nuts, and avocados, deliver vitamins A,D,E and K throughout our system and keep the cholesterol in our body soluble. Trans-fatty acids however, not only affect cholesterol adversely, but do not have the molecular structure to deliver these all-important vitamins.

It is apparent that Mr. Cruise does not want to enter into the good-food/bad-food dialogue, a strategy common in diet plans. But nutritionists hope he will educate his readers as to the preference for healthier fats, whenever possible.

Mr. Cruise’s basic position is sound. Additionally, he provides techniques that help you anticipate your body’s request for food, provides solid education concerning food choices and a support system to help you utilize these skills.

Diabetes was the bane of the 20th century and is affecting even more people during the 21st. However, unlike the unfortunate victims of the 60’s, today’s diabetics have a wide array of tools available to ensure their journey is neither as tedious, nor as dangerous as that of their predecessors. Nonetheless, the diagnosis of diabetes means that the word “diet” is no longer a choice. It is a condition of survival.

The Diabetic Living Diet is a well-thought-out and effective plan, designed to assist the diabetic through the unique pitfalls they may encounter during their journey. The developers of Diabetic Living have been in the “business” of providing this type of information to the diabetic community for years. Their magazine, (one of the first designed especially for those afflicted with this malady), has long been popular in Australia. But it is their website the promises to deliver diabetics with the most up-to-date information on the subject. A website that makes available past issues of their magazine, so that even a newly-diagnosed patron can explore the questions they now have.

Diabetic Living’s contributors are not prudes. They realize that none of us, (not even a diabetic, whose life is at stake), can follow a diet long-term, if it is too restrictive in nature. Thus, while they encourage people to lean toward wholesome foods, they do so with a voice that is both sympathetic and educational. Also found on line, is research regarding prescription interactions and side effects, reviews on the tools a diabetic must use to monitor their blood sugar level, and success stories from others who are surmounting the obstacles found within the diabetic experience. Diabetics can put their very lives in danger by following fad diets. The slow release of both nutrients and sugars is imperative to a diabetic’s survival. Foods that release nutrients into the system with nature’s time-released mechanisms include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds. But no diabetic who has existed on junk food prior to their diagnosis is going to find the idea of these foods appealing. Thus, the Diabetic Living Diet gently leads them through a journey of exploration, whereby the foods that will enable them longevity, are introduced as part of an overall plan, wherein weight maintenance is simply a by-product.

Another rising player in the diabetic diet support system is dLife. dLife TV is a CNBC Network program that televises the latest research and treatment advances during their weekly show. Also featured are exciting recipes for the diabetic, management tips and stories from real people. The website is an exciting offshoot of the show and outlines, in easily navigable form, both basic information concerning Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as meal managing tools, inspirational stories from fellow victims, inspirational and expert advice, along with podcasts and articles taken from the actual show.

Both communities are professional, supportive and up-to-date. By joining, you will have access to the solid research that has moved diabetes out of the dark ages and freed people to live more normal lives.

Special K has a great promotional idea going with their “Special K Challenge.” After all, so many of us want to shed the extra pounds we put on during the Holidays, what’s wrong with them offering us a little help while they introduce their new line of snack products? Besides, the program is logical. You are cutting calories if you substitute two meals a day with either Special K Cereal or one of their snack bars and milk. Cutting calories usually leads to weight loss, right?

Won’t you be hungry? Undoubtedly. But their suggestion of snacking on healthy fruits and vegetables between meals is very valuable. For centuries, those who tended crops would refresh themselves with the fresh foods that were handy. The combination of minerals, vitamins and enzymes contained in fresh food alleviates tired muscles, provides energy to the brain and helps remove any toxins that might be releasing alongside the melting fat.

The first thing you do to get started on the diet is to answer a series of questions about your eating habits. From there they take you to a page where you can choose from their myriad of snack products. When they do the calendar for you, however, they suggest a snack product, rather than a fruit and vegetable.

“But wait!” I protested. “I thought I was supposed to eat cereal or your new waffles for breakfast, fruits and vegetables for snacks and then choose either cereal of one of your snack bars for lunch? I’m confused!

Finally I decided there wasn’t a problem here. I only have 15 pounds to lose. So, I’ll eat fruit with breakfast, snack on some broccoli or baby carrots on my morning break, have one of your snack bars for lunch along with a banana, and save my mango for my afternoon break! Voila!

Special K has teamed up with Yahoo Health on this particular endeavor. When you visit their site, you’ll be privy to all sorts of articles that further educate you with regard to weight loss, healthy hearts, recipes and medical articles. Yahoo Health is not just about dieting. The information here is valuable, well written and exceptionally informative. Turns out this site is worth visiting over and over again.

Finally, the Special K Challenge has a support group at Yahoo Groups. Once again the page is filled with interesting articles and challenges designed to encourage success. There is even a sweepstakes going on for the weight-loss challenge. All you have to do is write share your weight loss success story.

It’s always fun when big marketers get involved in endeavors like these. They do things really big and with lots of glitter. It seems that they have gotten together a good group of people to help, too. Fitness guru Debbie Rocker has a contact page, you can locate a buddy, if you so desire, or share recipes for that all-important evening meal.

Hey, it might not be Weight Watchers, but if you’re going to make the effort to shed a few pounds anyway, why not have some fun doing it?

Weight Watchers began in the early sixties. That’s right. While flower power and war protests shared headlines, (and diet drugs were on nearly every housewife’s shelf), a woman named Jean Nidetch began meeting with her neighbors to discuss the role nutrition played in a healthy lifestyle. From these meetings Weight Watchers was developed. Its primary role has always been to provide support, motivation and nutrition education that would lead to permanent lifestyle changes for its members. Over the years, these knowledge-based meetings have undergone refinement. Nowadays, Weight Watchers, convinced that there are four components necessary to obtaining permanent weight loss, behavior, food, support and exercise, base their entire program on these elements.  

Additionally, Weight Watchers offers two approaches when helping you develop a plan concerning the food part of the equation. The first is the point system, wherein, according to each food’s calories, nutrients, digestion time and amount of fat, it is assigned a number of points. By knowing what your point limit is each day, you can eat anything you want until your total points are accumulated. The reason this works is because fats, naturally, hold a higher point value than, say, carrots. Thus, if you were to eat sour cream on your eggs, full-fat yogurt for lunch and a fat-leaden piece of meat for dinner, you would not have room for that soup or bread that sounds so good. 

Although this approach has provided positive results for years, there were many among its membership who wanted to learn the “science” (nutritional composition), behind dieting tactics. For those individuals, Weight Watchers devised a newer approach, called “The Core Plan.” This method utilizes high energy foods that help you feel full longer, while providing plenty of nutrition. This plan restricts certain foods, except, that is, when having a daily treat, a special night on the town or planning for a special occasion. 
The most important component built into the two food programs is flexibility. Scientists who have joined the program, and the original founders agree: Many diets fail because they restrict too many foods. This is not so with Weight Watchers.
Thus, when combined with weekly meetings that encourage exercise, address cravings, discuss behavior and educate members about the role nutrients play in their lives, Weight Watchers continues to offer success. Additionally, with more than 1500 recipes online, (and many more recipes continually being contributed by members), participants should be able to provide nutritious meals for both themselves and their families.

In an effort to retain and share the incredible amount of scientific data accumulated during the past sixty years, Weight Watchers’ Web site is full of useful information. By using their search engine and message boards, you can participate in discussions about seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, locate recipes that contain instructions about cooking for optimum nutrition, read explanations about why some previously-forbidden foods are necessary to your diet, check the subject of the next meeting, find a meeting in your area, or just log on for encouragement. Clients applaud Weight Watchers for their continued efforts and support.

South Beach Diet’s founder, Dr. Agaston, wasn’t creating a diet plan with weight in mind, he was preparing a diet plan with health in mind.  Particularly, cardiovascular health.

He discovered, quite by accident, that the same foods that lead to a healthy heart (and the same foods that help prevent the highs and lows so prevalent in hypo- or hyper- insulinism) are synonymous with foods that balance a person’s weight.  He was pleased when his patients not only lost weight, but were healthier, more energetic and had developed a life-long association with foods that provide the body with what it wants and needs.
A visitor to the South Beach Diet website will quickly learn exactly what will occur should they chose to participate in this diet plan.  This doctor is not about keeping his methods secret, instead, he is about educating any who want to know, what healthy eating consists of.  Thus, in an easy-to-understand format, he explains what the perameters for Phase I, Phase II and Phase III will consist of.

Dr. Agaston has been prescribing this life-changing diet to his patients long enough to know that if they were to gently try to wean themselves from their previous eating habits, they would fight for control for an extended period of time.  Thus, he restricts certain foods for two weeks.  After that, he allows the patient/client to reintroduce foods, including a required two snacks per day. He insists that hungry people should most definitely eat, but for the first two weeks, the following foods are restricted: Any white-grain products, sugary foods and alcohol.  But, only for two weeks!

When the body comes to recognize that it is actually seeking nutritious foods instead of foods that mimic fullness, it will quickly begin to crave the foods that truthfully provide what it needs, and will ignore the “substitute.” Sugar is the final product of metabolism, and signals your body that you have both consumed and digested an entire meal full of nutrients.

Thus, on The South Beach diet, the carbohydrates that you will introduce will be those which contain whole grains.  The vegetables that you will re-acquaint yourself with will be those that complement your digestion and provide much-needed vitamins. The oils that you will consume will be those that contain no triglycerides. Finally, the protein that you ingest will provide a full array of omega-3 fatty acids, which will help deliver vitamins A, D, E and K throughout your body, keep cholesterol levels in check and help fight free-radicals.

Following the South Beach Diet, eventually your body will request healthy vegetables, fruits, grains and proteins.  Even so, there is no need to worry that special treats will not have their place.  Instead, they are not only allowed, but encouraged! For some, chocolate is a “must have.”  Not a problem with South Beach.  In fact, participants are required to eat between-meal-snacks.  This is not the kind of diet that you have to feel hungry on.  This is the kind of diet that provides your body with foods that help it function at its maximum potential