Everyone wants to know the same thing: how to lose belly fat, drop pounds and inches, and look their overall best. Many factors go into determining which weight loss plan will work best for you. Age, sex, genetic make-up, general health, how much you exercise, and your psychological make-up are all contributing variables.

For any weight loss program to be successful, experts all agree that it must include the three basics. They are:

This is the fundamental difference between a “weight loss diet” and a “weight loss program”.

With today’s fast paced lifestyles it is harder and harder to get into shape and stay that way. Yet there are thousands of products and services (diet programs, weight loss supplements, diet pills) available for just that purpose. In fact it can be confusing and overwhelming trying to plot a course through all the information with so many competing for your attention.

What do we mean when we talk about a weight loss diet versus a weight loss program?

A diet usually only covers the food aspect of dieting like what you can and can’t eat, nutritional content, meal plans, and recipes.

A “weight loss plan” is more all encompassing and will include at least the three basics, with some incorporating diet pills, weight loss supplements and even alternative medicine practices. Many people find that dieting is a short term solution, while a weight loss plan or program can give long term results.

A good weight loss program is based on individual lifestyle. Good programs aim to improve health in a positive way. The medical experts also all agree that losing more than two pounds a week can be unhealthy and in some cases downright dangerous. A good plan will introduce change gradually to both diet and exercise.

Learn more about the various types of diet and weight loss programs to determine the best one for you.