Are you now in the process of looking for a weight loss program? If you are, have you thought about diet? Before you do, think this over.

Many people who are overweight or obese have decided not to diet per se, but to concentrate on engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining healthy eating habits in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, emphasizing lowered fat consumption, and an increase in vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Others Ñ who try to diet Ñ report needing help to achieve their weight management goals.

Fad diets that ignore the principles of the Dietary Guidelines may result in short term weight loss, but may do so at the risk of your health. How you go about managing your weight has a lot to do with your long-term success. Unless your health is seriously at risk due to complications from being overweight or obese, gradual weight loss should be your rule Ñ and your goal.

In choosing which weight loss program is right for you, visit several web sites so you can compare the features and benefits of the different weight loss programs.