What's the best plan for successful weight loss?

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What's the best plan for successful weight loss?

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Michael Dansinger, MD

Nutrition

Tufts Medical Center

44 Answers
2,310 Helpful Votes
17 Followers

The idea that there's one best plan for successful weight loss is incorrect. It's like saying there's one best color or one best type of music. For each individual, there very well may be one best dietary approach. But there is a broad spectrum of eating strategies -- dozens of unique approaches -- that all work well for weight loss and overall health improvement. The most important thing is to find an approach you can stick to because adherence, rather than diet type, is the key to success.

I do think that good plans tend to have some common features. They often include a daily food journal with calorie counting; 90% adherence to a strict eating plan; and about seven hours a week of exercise -- cardio and strength training.

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