When it comes to weight loss, there is no one-size-fits-all initiative. However, here are some proven diet changes that will aid in helping everyone trim up:

Cut back on carbs — The most crucial part of a weight loss diet is to cut back on sugars and starches, or carbohydrates. When you cut back on carbs, your hunger levels go down, and you generally end up eating remarkably fewer calories. In place of burning carbs for energy, your body now starts burning fat stores for energy. An additional benefit of cutting out carbs is that it lowers insulin levels, causing the kidneys to shed excess sodium and water. This reduces bloating and unnecessary water weight.

One study on healthy women with obesity reported that a low or no-carb diet was more effective for short-term weight loss than a low-fat diet.

Removing sugars and starches, also referred to as carbs, from your diet can reduce your appetite, lower your insulin levels, and make you lose weight without feeling hungry. Create each meal with a protein source, fat source, and low-carb vegetables.

There are many programs available at Metabolic Medical Center, including these three:

The Accelerated Program — The Accelerated Program is a supplement plan. The diet is very low calories and includes a combination of supplements to ensure that your body is receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs. You will be seen by a Metabolic Doctor every week and very carefully monitored.

Fast and Flexible — This Modified Profast program includes regular foods from an approved list, some meal supplements and delicious protein shakes. Patients describe this as an easy and flexible program with great results. Average weight loss is around 4-12 pounds during the first two weeks and 2-8 pounds every subsequent two weeks. Patients are monitored by our doctors every two to four weeks.

Vitamin B12 Injections — B12 is a vitamin that sustains healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and naturally energizes the body. It can also increase your metabolism, increase calories burned and quicken digestion. We offer B12 injections to help boost energy and assist with weight loss.

Fast weight loss, like losing 10 or 20 pounds in one week, is not only unrealistic but also unhealthy. A realistic weight loss goal is to lose one or two pounds per week. A goal of losing 5 to 10 percent of your start weight is achievable. So if you weigh 200 pounds, a goal of 10 to 20 pounds of weight loss is reasonable and achievable.

Losing weight healthily takes time, so don’t plan to drop 25 pounds in as little as two weeks. At one or two pounds per week, losing 25 pounds will take longer than 12 weeks or three months. You should cut 500 to 1,000 calories a day by eating less and exercising more to lose weight in a healthy manner.

If you or someone you know has tried losing weight on their own but did not succeed, come to Metabolic Medical Center to start losing weight today! Contact our office today to get in touch with a specialist. To book an appointment, call us or visit us online! We serve patients from Murrells Inlet SC, Garden City SC, Burgess SC, Socastee SC, and Pawleys Island SC.