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Excessive weight is undoubtedly a serious problem affecting more and more Americans. Besides the unaesthetic appearance there are various medical and social issues arising from overweight. While most of the affected individuals struggle with the problem and try various methods over the years, a majority of them will eventually give up or turn to weight loss surgery as the last option. While bariatric surgery has incontestable advantages, it is still a surgical procedure involving a series of risks. Fortunately for obese patients it seems like there is still hope as new weight loss strategies are being developed based on a more complex point of view.

Foods and supplements that help you lose weight

The most common type of weight loss strategy involves some sort of diet. However there is no need to starve in order to lose excessive pounds. Some foods are actually recommended as being efficient in weight loss. Green tea for example has the ability to stimulate fat burning as it contains antioxidants associated with an increased metabolism.

Fruits and vegetables are also foods you can safely consume as part of your weight loss effort for simple reasons:

• They are nutrient dense and low in calories
• You can eat a lot without consuming too many calories
• They make you feel fuller longer
• They contain disease fighting agents like vitamins, antioxidants, fibers and minerals

Fruits and vegetables can be consumed fresh, frozen, dried or packet as long as there is no additional syrup or other products associated.

Fish oil is also a supplement that can greatly benefit any weight loss effort. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acid that changes the way the body uses fat: the fat is burned instead of being stored. Fish oil capsules are widely available and one should consume between 1000 and 2000 mg daily, preferable combined with at least 45 minutes walk.

For those who just can’t resist sweets, Gymnema capsules can be very helpful. Gymnema is a plant growing in India and Africa with the capacity of reducing one’s ability to taste sweetness. Individuals, who take it on regular basis, even if they still consume sweets out of habit, will eat less as the taste has changed.

Maintain physical and emotional balance

Just as normal weight is often associated with a healthy organism, so can excessive weight be the sign of a physical imbalance in your body that will eventually lead to disease. If despite your best efforts, you still can’t get rid of the excessive weight, you might be dealing with a systemic imbalance in your body, like:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Adrenal dysfunction
• Neurotransmitter issue
• Digestive problem
• Detoxification system imbalance

Medically restoring the body’s internal balance can solve obesity related problems as well. Keeping a nutrition balance is also essential as very strict diets might actually cause more harm than good. Natural foods rich on proteins alongside with vitamins and minerals and plenty of water or green tea will support your metabolism without leading to malnutrition or excessive fat deposits.

Exercising is of course essential for natural weight loss. However in order to truly work it needs to be done on regular basis. You should choose a type of exercise that you actually enjoy and that you can fit in your daily activities. Such activities might include:

• Biking or walking to work
• Playing with your children
• Dancing with your partner
• Walking your dog
• Joining a yoga class
• Going to the gym

Emotional balance is another significant component of natural weight loss. Having a friend to share the experience with is just as important as feeling good about yourself, having a good night sleep, avoiding stress and accepting your own body as it is. Such simple techniques can lead to significant results over time and potentially make bariatric surgery unnecessary.