Everything seems to work against us women when we attempt to lose weight. Our metabolism is generally slower, for one, making it twice harder to burn calories than men. Hormonal changes, especially during menstrual periods, pregnancy, midlife and retirement (that practically encompasses our entire lifespan!) also cause such extreme gains in weight that it takes more than the normal amount of dedication and willpower to take those pounds off. Then there's that all-too female propensity to turn to food when stress takes over. We comfort ourselves with that sweet and dark chocolate cake when we fight with our boyfriends. We dive into our favorite bag of chips when the boss gives us a piece of his mind. Food is our solace when life gets to be a little bit too much.

That's why we are the fitness industry's main clients. We, the fairer sex, need all the help we can get if we want to seriously lose weight. Experts (and so-called ones) in the business have introduced a variety of weight loss regimens in all shapes, sizes and prices. From fad diets that promise to take those excess pounds off in a matter of days to prepackaged weight loss recipes delivered to the comfort of our own homes, we women are never at a loss for choices when we want to slim down.

The question is: How do we choose the weight loss diet that's right for us?

The foremost consideration that women should keep in mind is health and safety. With the growing number of crash diets in the market that do more harm than good, the potential risk that a weight loss diet should have on our bodies should override all other concerns, even the act of losing weight itself. Cabbage soup diets, orange juice diets and diets of a similar nature to these two are obviously harmful to the body. Any diet that severely restricts your food and hence your nutrient intake is never good for you. Remember that you are a woman and are already prone to mood swings (this isn't being sexist, it's simply being true). If you follow a diet that does not give your body the nutrients, vitamins and minerals it needs to function normally, you're going to be in for some real big trouble, both psychologically and physically.

Another factor to consider is how well a weight loss diet is going to fit into your lifestyle. For example, if you don't have the time to count calories or shop for the prescribed foods, prepackaged meal plans delivered to your doorstep might be a good option for you. Always keep in mind, however, that no matter what diet you choose, you must always consider long-term implications. Will you be able to sustain your diet once you're not anymore enrolled in a certain program? You can't have prepackaged meals delivered to you for life.

Finally, there's cost. If a weight loss diet is too expensive that it lets you forego other important stuff in your life like night outs or designer bag shopping (which is important in your estimation to your ego), then choose another alternative. In dieting, as in life, the key is always to "live within your means."