by Mario Carini

Created on: June 14, 2010

Ask any dieter and they'll tell you how difficult it has been for them to shed those unwanted pounds. They've tried the pills, potions, fad diets and weight loss clinics. After spending a fortune they're no closer to reaching a thinner waistline. They conclude that losing weight is as difficult as quitting the smoking habit.

But is losing weight really as difficult as many believe it is?

The weight loss industry is a multi-billion dollar business. They realize that most people who get on programs will achieve some success only to gain back what they lost and more beside. Of course, that means a return to the old program and more money for the industry. Losing weight is a bit like gambling. Many people come back to those diets in the eternal hope that this time they'll hit the dieting jackpot.

The main problem why so many have difficulty in losing weight is because they rely exclusively on external measures to do the job. They depend on the doctor, their dietitian and the programs to shed the pounds. While there's nothing wrong with getting on a diet program, they are no substitutes for taking the incentive to actively lose weight and strive toward reaching a realistic weight loss goal. Smokers who rely on patches and  gum can't expect to stop if they continue a pack-a-day habit.

Obesity starts with the diet, but the diet is not the only culprit that leads to weight gain. Many people focus too much on the diet without realizing that their lifestyle may negate any chance for success even if they eat healthy. But having to change the lifestyle is difficult as it has taken years to develop that lifestyle. Few people have the time or the discipline to change to a healthy lifestyle. They hope that a quick fix solution will be the answer to their weight problem. Unfortunately, quick fix solutions can only produce temporary results.

Eating fewer calories than what is expended does help toward some weight loss, but much has to do with the food consumed. Low calorie, high carbohydrate foods loaded with sugar, fat and salt promote weight gain. While this is generally understood, few people realize that what they take home, even if it says "diet" on the label, are not good for them. Today's fruits and vegetables come with a great deal of pesticides that can't be washed off. Many think they are eating healthy, but are only adding to the toxic overload in their bodies. And what the body can't get rid off it stores in added fat tissue.

While switching to a diet

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