Healthy weight management begins with attitude, patience, commitment and self-education. Healthy weight loss is achieved by healthy lifestyle changes, not “fad” diets. Diets that involve calorie restriction or the restriction of certain essential food groups (such as carbohydrates) do not work. Dieting often results in rapid weight loss ending usually with weight gain. Frequent fluctuations in weight disturbs the metabolism and can increase the risk of many diseases. Obesity itself increases the risk of all degenerative diseases. The following information will help you achieve your ideal weight while also improving your overall health.