Being overweight can sometimes affect our self-esteem, however, thanks to advances in medicine that today a number of weight loss techniques available, including weight loss surgery.

Since its invention, weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery has been selectively recommended to those individuals who are morbidly obese, and don’t respond to conventional weight loss measures. But recent findings suggest that it may benefit moderately obese individuals as well. Let’s face it, that regaining healthy weight is beneficial not only for our health, but can have a positive effect on our appearance and self-esteem too.

Speaking of health benefits, there are several reasons compelling enough, for your to consider weight loss surgery, and allow the surgeon to put you on a hospital table to trim you down.

Type 2 diabetes – Obesity is considered as the the primary risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, and so weight loss surgery can have a role to play in its reversal. But this isn’t theory any more, results of a study published in the American Journal of Medicine about 82 percent patients who underwent weight loss surgery experienced diabetes reversal within a two years duration.

Fertility – Obesity can sometimes prevent women from getting pregnant. However, achieving weight loss by bariatric surgery can help improve fertility in obese women. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine suggests that weight loss can improve ovulatory functions in previously obese women.

High Blood Pressure (hypertension) – Hypertension, treated with hypertensive drugs, affects millions of Americans, according to a 2006 survey, 35.7 million visits to office-based physicians resulted in hypertension as primary diagnosis. But the good news is that that weight loss surgery can help reduce or even eliminate hypertension. The Journal of the American Medical Association in 2004 reported that in a study 61.7 percent patients were relieved of hypertension, while the condition of 78.5 percent improved considerably.

In addition, weight loss surgery has also been associated with easing of joint pain because it spares the joints from the stress of extra weight that overweight people carry. In general having a healthy weight can improve your health and longevity.

So while the conventional ways to lose weight may be the ideal way to deal with the problem of excess weight, weight loss surgery definitely stands by as a good alternative.

Much has already been said, written and talked about Atkins Diet Menu. The reason why I am going to stick to just the very basic features of this low carb diet.

This diet was originally developed in the 1960s by Dr. Atkins. In the early 1990s he re-launched his diet into the fitness and nutrition arena by publishing the book Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution, which went on to become a best seller.

The Atkins Diet is a basically a low carbohydrate, high-protein diet to attain weight-loss. The seventies brought Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution at its peak. And since then, thousands have tried the diet, and millions of copies of his books have been sold.  Statistics have an interesting story to tell – it says that approximately 25% of people in America alone are following Atkins diet menu at any given point of time.

When one shifts to Atkins diet her or his food cravings show a remarkable downward shift, as a result of which, the person feels more energized – mentally as well as physically. What makes the Atkins Diet Plan so popular is that it helps one lose weight without having to count calories. People who have followed it have lost between 10 to 30 pounds in the first month itself! Needless to mention they have adhered to their diet meal plan that consists of meat, fish, eggs, cheese, and good carbohydrate and fats along with exercises recommended by them.

Atkins Diet menu is devided into three to four phases:

The Indcution phase which lasts 14 days and comprises diet where it is recommended that one consumes no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates  per day. Which means no fruits, no bread or grains, or starchy vegetables. During the 2nd stage known as Ongoing Weight Loss Phase, the dieters experiment with various combinations of food until they are able to identify a certain amount of carbohydrate intake that allows the patient to continue to lose weight until the time she/he achieves her weight-loss goals that one had set for.

This is a slightly crucial stage as the dieters are trying to strike a balance to keep active and kicking and go through the grind at the same time. Once the person weighs no more than what he should, the third phase begins. Atkins diet menu’s third phase is about maintaining this weight. Again it’s for the dieters to determine the level of carbohydrate intake that will allow him/her to maintain this new and better weight. This phase is called Pre-maintenance and maintenance.

As far as safety factors are concerned, following Atkins Diet menu has not shown any adverse affects vis a vis cholesterol and triglyceride levels. But before you shift to Atkins Diet Menu, it’s advised that you consult your family doctor or keep him/her in loop. Since the doctor knows your medical history and other physical conditions and factors, she will be able to guide much better and will have your best interest in mind.