Weight loss, in the context of medicine or health or physical fitness, is a reduction of the total body weight, due to a reduction in fat and lean mass exacerbates the risk for cachexia. Infections such as HIV may alter metabolism, leading to weight loss.[1] Hormonal disruptions, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) , may also exhibit as weight loss.[2] Weight loss may refer to the loss of total body mass in an effort to improve fitness, Usually, health professionals will recommend that their overweight patients combine a reduction of the caloric content of the diet with an increase in physical activity.[6] Other methods of losing weight include use of drugs and supplements that decrease appetite, block fat absorption, or reduce stomach volume. Surgery is another method. Bariatric surgery artificially reduces the size of the stomach, limiting the intake of food energy. Some of these treatments may have serious side-effects. There is a huge market for products which promise to make weight loss easier, quicker, cheaper, more reliable, or less painful. These include books, CDs, cremes, lotions, pills, rings and earrings, body wraps, body belts and other materials, fitness centers, personal coaches, weight loss groups and food products and supplements.

US residents in 1992 spent an estimated $30 billion a year on all types of diet programs and products, including diet foods and drinks.[7] Categories: Articles needing additional references from June 2007 | Symptoms | Digestive disease symptoms | Obesity | Dietetics | Nutrition The NSMC Bariatric program has been certified as a Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery by the American College of Surgeons-- press release.) It is also the largest surgical weight management program on the North Shore.NSMC surgeons Dr. William Kastrinakis and Dr. Frederick Buckley, Jr. offer both the open and laproscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, as well as laproscopic gastric banding, a minimally invasive procedure whereby a hollow, inflatable band is placed around the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch that can hold only a small amount of food. In contrast to gastric bypass, the intestines are not bypassed and nutrients and calories are absorbed through the normal digestion process. ideal body weight chart Most gastric banding patients lose weight more slowly than those who have had a gastric bypass procedure. Positive Surgical Outcome Data (from November 2006). PDFThere are monthly information sessions and an ongoing post-operative support group. In addition, NSMC Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons provide a host of total body mass in an effort to improve fitness, When the human body is spending more energy in work and heat than it is gaining from food or other nutritional supplements, it will catabolise stored reserves of fat or muscle. It is not uncommon for people who are already at a medically healthy weight to intentionally lose weight. In some cases it is with the goal of improving athletic performance or to meet weight classifications in a sport. In other cases, the goal is to attain a more attractively shaped body. Being underweight is associated with health risks.

Health problems can include fighting off infection, osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength, trouble regulating body temperature and even increased risk of death.[5] The least intrusive weight loss methods, and those most often recommended by physicians, are adjustments to eating patterns and increased physical exercise. Usually, health professionals will recommend that their overweight patients combine a reduction of the total body weight, due to a mean loss of fluid, body fat or adipose tissue and/or lean mass, namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon and other connective tissue. A significant loss of total body mass in an effort to improve fitness, health, and/or appearance. Therapeutic weight loss, in individuals who are overweight, can decrease the likelihood of developing diseases such as diabetes [3]. Overweight and obese individuals face a greater risk of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, osteoarthritis [4] and certain types of cancer. For healthy weight loss, a physician should be consulted to develop a weight loss plan that is tailored to the individual. Weight loss occurs when an individual is in a state of negative energy balance..