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Nowadays, there are many weight loss programs catering to both men and women, and each generally have a slightly different approach. There is a general recognition of the fact that weight problems are both physical and psychological in nature. Because of the dual nature of most weight problems, the solution is seldom as simple as just eating less food or consuming less calories. For example, Weight Watchers and several other well known weight loss programs require you to come in for a weigh-in, which is also often public, and receive various types of counseling. That is in addition to keeping track of what you eat during the day and adding it up according to a special system designed specifically for you.

Other weight loss programs take a pro-active, behavioralist approach by asking you to try and identify your eating habits and patterns. Under what circumstances do you tend to overeat? Which foods do you eat when you are overeating? By answering these questions, you can identify and anticipate your own weak points and problem areas, and a specialized system is designed for you, taking these into account.

This type of weight loss program is particularly successful because it is realistic, acknowledging that not everyone is alike, and that a 'one size fits all' weight loss program may fail to help a certain percentage of the clientele. Also, because a program like this teaches you to avoid pitfalls, it is helpful information and habits that can be used throughout your life, not just when you are 'on a diet' or actively following the diet program.

Not all weight loss programs incorporate exercise, but they all should. Exercise is probably the single most important factor in weight loss - more important than how much, or how little, you eat. Exercise boosts your body's metabolism rate, so that you burn more of the calories you ingest. Exercise also builds muscle, which continues to burn fat and calories even after you have finished exercising. Finally, exercise just makes you feel better about yourself and the world.

Happy people may eat heartily at times, but they are less likely to binge eat or to eat out of boredom or frustration. In short, exercise can help accelerate your weight loss in many different ways. It doesn't really matter what type of exercise you do, as long as you try to do it regularly. Studies vary regarding this particular subject - some recommend intense exercise a few times a week, while others say just the opposite - that you should exercise every day, but at a lower intensity. The bottom line is that you should do what feels good to you, and what fits into your schedule.

If you find it easier to fit into your daily schedule, you could also choose to do smaller 5 minute workouts several times a day. Exercising regularly like this will keep your metabolism running high throughout the day rather than just an hour or 2 after a big workout.