mayoclinic.org
Appointments at Mayo Clinic
Request Appointment
Weight-loss basics
Your weight is a balancing act, and calories are part of that equation. Fad diets may promise you that counting carbs or eating a mountain of grapefruit will make the pounds drop off. But when it comes to weight loss, it's calories that count. Weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you take in. You can do that by reducing extra calories from food and beverages, and increasing calories burned through physical activity.
Once you understand that equation, you're ready to set your weight-loss goals and make a plan for reaching them. Remember, you don't have to do it alone. Talk to your doctor, family and friends for support. Ask yourself if now is a good time and if you're ready to make some necessary changes. Also, plan smart: Anticipate how you'll handle situations that challenge your resolve and the inevitable minor setbacks.
If you have serious health problems because of your weight, your doctor may suggest weight-loss surgery or medications for you. In this case, you and your doctor will need to thoroughly discuss the potential benefits and the possible risks.
But don't forget the bottom line: The key to successful weight loss is a commitment to making indefinite changes in your diet and exercise habits.
Diet plansShareTweetApril 05, 2014
Products and Services
The Mayo Clinic Diet ExperienceSubscription Online Service: The Mayo Clinic DietBook: The Mayo Clinic DietMayo Clinic MembershipMayo Clinic Healthy Living ProgramBook: The Mayo Clinic Diabetes DietBook: Mayo Clinic Fitness for Everybody
See also
Alli weight-loss pillApple cider vinegarAre your beverage calories adding up?Artificial sweetenersAtkins DietBarriers to fitnessBe smart about weight lossBitter orange supplementsBMI calculatorBody fat: What happens to lost fat?BreakfastCabbage soup dietCaffeine: Can it help me lose weight?Calorie calculatorCalorie count: Check your coffee cupYoga for weight loss?CarbohydratesCheck your weight-loss readinessCoconut oil for weight lossCoffee caloriesControl your portions, control your weight
View more
Patient Care & Health InfoHealthy LifestyleSymptoms A-ZDiseases & Conditions A-ZTests & Procedures A-ZDrugs & Supplements A-ZAppointmentsPatient & Visitor GuidePatient Online ServicesQuality CareFind out why Mayo Clinic is the right place for your health care. Make an appointment.Departments & CentersDoctors & Medical StaffMedical Departments & CentersResearch Centers & ProgramsAbout Mayo ClinicContact UsMeet the StaffFind a directory of doctors and departments at all Mayo Clinic campuses. Visit now.ResearchExplore Research LabsFind Clinical TrialsResearch FacultyPostdoctoral FellowshipsDiscovery's Edge MagazineSearch PublicationsTraining Grant PositionsResearch and Clinical TrialsSee how Mayo Clinic research and clinical trials advance the science of medicine and improve patient care. Explore now.EducationMayo Graduate SchoolMayo Medical SchoolMayo School of Continuous Professional DevelopmentMayo School of Graduate Medical EducationMayo School of Health SciencesAlumni CenterVisit Our SchoolsEducators at Mayo Clinic train tomorrow’s leaders to deliver compassionate, high-value, safe patient care. Choose a degree.For Medical ProfessionalsProvider RelationsOnline Services for Referring PhysiciansVideo CenterPublicationsContinuing Medical EducationMayo Medical LaboratoriesProfessional ServicesExplore Mayo Clinic’s many resources and see jobs available for medical professionals. Get updates.Products & ServicesHealthy Living ProgramMayo Clinic MembershipBooks and more ...Mayo Clinic Health LetterMedical ProductsPopulation Health and Wellness ProgramsHealth Plan AdministrationMedical Laboratory ServicesContinuing Education for Medical ProfessionalsGiving to Mayo ClinicGive NowYour ImpactFrequently Asked QuestionsContact UsGive to Mayo ClinicHelp set a new world standard in care for people everywhere. Give now.Request an AppointmentFind a DoctorFind a JobGive NowLog in to Patient AccountEspanolPortugueseArabicMandarinTwitterFacebookGoogleYouTubePinterestSkip to main navigationSkip to main contentPrintDiet plansMayo Clinic dietDiet and exerciseDiet pills, supplements and surgeryIn-DepthExpert AnswersExpert BlogMultimediaResourcesNews From Mayo Clinic
Stats: 11.6kB, 0.46s