Fat Loss Programs in Today\'s

Fat Loss Programs

In today's health-conscious world, there are hundreds of fat loss programs available on the market. Some of these fat loss programs focus on diet, some on exercise and some on a combination of the two. These weight loss programs are typically put together by professional health and exercise scientist, doctors, chefs, and often times celebrities. Although most fat loss programs share some basic similarities, each offers a unique twist that will lead to lasting results. However, when working to recommend a fat loss program to a client, it is important to first understand the different fat loss programs so that one can recommend a program best suited for the client's unique needs.

The South Beach Diet was created by cardiologist Arthur Agatston. The main emphasis of this fat loss program is on the consumption of "good carbs" and "good fats." Dr. Agatston developed the fat loss program based on his own personal scientific research related to dieting and his experiences with developing an effective diet for his cardiac patients. The premise of the program is that the excessive consumption of what Dr. Agatston refers to as "bad carbohydrates," such as the rapidly-absorbed carbohydrates found in the high glycemic index, results in what is known as insulin resistance syndrome. Insulin resistance syndrome is an impairment of the hormone called insulin's ability to process fat and sugar. In order to prevent this syndrome, and the resulting build up of fat, Agatston's diet reduces the consumption of these bad fats, particularly of saturated and trans fat, and instead replaces them with the consumption of good fats and good carbs.

Another popular fat reduction program that focuses on the negative effects of carbs is the Atkins diet. Unlike the South Beach Diet, Atkins places a more stringent elimination on the consumption of all types of carbohydrates. According to Atkins, Western eating habits are prone to creating obesity because of the large focus on refined carbohydrates found in sugar, flour and high-fructose corn syrups. Further, Atkins argues that saturated fat is not an obesity factor but that trans fat is and thus need to be completely avoided. With such a foundation, the Atkins Diet essentially argues against the food pyramid, arguing that the base level of grains is actually what causes obesity instead of health.