According to the World health Organization (WHO), there are about 1 billion overweight adults worldwide, 300 million of them are categorized to be obese. Obesity and overweight are among the primary health issues globally. This is among the primary reasons of having type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke and some forms of cancer. Thus, if you belong in the 300 million or almost part of it, you should start thinking about weight loss programs.

In 1992, according to the U.S. Foods and Drugs Administration, Americans would spend about $30 billion a year on different kinds of diet programs and products. Some would approximate that the figure have reached whopping $55 billion in 2007. Currently, it is estimated to have reached more than $60 billion.

What are these weight loss programs that Americans are spending too much money on?

• Atkins Diet

This is among the most popular diet programs. It is a low-carbohydrate, high –protein and high-fat food plan. Atkins diet is concentrated on eating less carbohydrates since it is believed to produce more insulin, which can be associated to hunger and weight gain. Atkins diet is said to be capable of reducing appetite and burn more fat for energy, this could result into weight loss.

Atkins diet have undergone several changes over the years. Currently, it is already including good carbohydrates in the diet. This good carbohydrate diet plan would include food that has more fiber, vitamins and minerals. Also, studies have showed that protein can make individuals feel full in between meals.

• Zone Diet

Just like Atkins diet, the Zone diet is also a low-carbohydrate and high-protein. But the difference is that it includes controlling fat- intake. It also allows more foods to be eaten during the diet. In Atkins, the only carbohydrates allowed are the good carbs. But when following the Zone diet, there are favourable carbohydrates which you can consume, but the less favourable ones could be consumed in smaller amounts.

There is a recommended percentage in the Zone diet, it recommends that calories should come from 40% carbohydrates. 30% from protein, and 30% from fats. This would put the body in the balance, this would give the body greater energy and less weight.

• South Beach Diet

The South Beach diet can also be similar with the Atkins. But this diet is actually more fat-controlled. This diet also has limitations with the carbohydrate intake, it only allows good carbohydrates to be eaten during the period of following the meal plan. Aside from that, South Beach diet also eliminates unhealthy fat intake. But good and healthy fat is allowed and encouraged. Basically, it focuses on maintaining balance between carbohydrates and fats. Processed foods are strictly prohibited!

• Jenny Craig

This kind of weight loss program has pre-planned menus. The good thing is that you could change the menu based on your preference and budget. Aside from meal modification, this weight-loss program also encouraged individuals to increase exercise and activities. This kind of weight-loss program also offers guidance and support system which would help participants to be in track of their development. Counsellors would also recommend participants to keep a journal where they could keep track of their food and fluid intake, activity and stress levels.

• Weight Watchers

Weight watchers use a very simple method, determining the value of food that you buy and eat. In this plan, you would use a point system which you could get or learn from different books. There are certain foods that have high points, if you have consumed them within a certain period of time, you would need to balance it with low-point foods.

Weight watchers also have included a diet plan where, points-aside, the individual would be focusing on consuming food groups which is said to provide eating satisfaction without increasing weight and even shedding some pounds away. Aside from that, you can also get to be a part of a weight loss center where you could share progress with others and at the same time, improve your weight-loss plan.