Weight gain can occur for many reasons, however the affects of drastic weight gain can be extremely devastating.

In the United States today, three quarters of the population are overweight to some degree or obese. The numbers of overweight people are staggering, and they are rising every year. Of the three quarters of the population, approximately one third are children under the age of eighteen.

Being overweight can be devastating, especially for children. They are teased more often which can lead to low self esteem, anger, and depression.

School systems around the country have recognized that the problem is growing. They have initiated changes in the menus that they serve to include healthier choices. Many schools no longer serve cheeseburgers and fries or even pizza. They, along with pediatricians and nutritionists have created menus that the children will like however they do not contain the fat and calories of previous menus.

Everyone agrees that it is difficult to loose weight. There are thousands of fad diets, and diet pills and supplements available on the market today. All claim to be the fastest weight loss product available. Many of them do work, however, once you stop taking them, you will gain the weight back and in many cases, more weight than you lost.

Experts agree that this occurs because the necessary dietary choices and exercise routines were not made. You cannot sustain weight loss if you do not change the dietary habits that caused you to gain weight to begin with.

Loosing weight is not an overnight process, nor will it only take two weeks. It took time to gain the weight it will take time to loose it.

Physicians, nutritionists, fitness trainers, and nearly every other professional in the health care industry agree that there is a certain routine that you must follow in order to lose weight.

· Set realistic weight loss goals for yourself – do not set your goals to high, when you do this, you are risking failure if you do not achieve your goal.

· Make healthy menu choices both at home and when you dine out. – Consult a nutritionist to assist you in creating a menu that you will like.

· Introduce an exercise routine that is not too strenuous and stick with it. – Many fitness centers have personal trainer that can assist you creating the perfect routine for you.

· Walking around your neighborhood for half an hour a day – this is not only good for your health, it may also relieve a lot of stress and help you sleep better.

Losing unwanted weight can be a very difficult process, however it can be done. You not only have to commit yourself to loosing weight, you also have to create a program that works for you.