The Cambridge Online dictionary defines the word “effective” as “Successful or achieving the result that you want“. At first glance, it seems obvious that effective weight loss simply means being able to meet your target weight loss. What happens after the target weight loss is achieved? Is it important to avoid weight regain. The answer should be obvious but very few people look that far. Most people are so caught up with trying to meet their target weight loss that sustainability becomes secondary. It is quite common for people to say, “Once I have lost it, I will be able to keep it off.”

Effective weight loss is when someone loses weight and is able to sustain it over the long-term.

Lose Fat and Preserve Muscle

Sustainable weight loss comes from losing fat while preserving or building on your muscles. Any weight loss that results from water loss is not sustainable. The body will sooner or later make-up for the water loss. This will result in weight regain.

Muscle loss can result in a lower number on the weight scale. This is hardly something to be excited about. Muscle loss results in a sluggish metabolism which makes it you susceptible to weight regain.

Exercise & Healthy Diet

Effective weight loss can only be attained via exercise and a healthy diet. A lot of people try to lose weight by dieting or starving themselves. They may lose weight but it is definitely not sustainable. Fat needs to be burnt. Exercise namely strength and cardio training are extremely important to meet this.

Effective Weight Loss Results

Exercises that provide effective weight loss burn fat and shape up the muscles. This results in a more toned and firm body. One also attains a euphoric feeling that comes from being healthier and fitter. The body feels tight and firm. The stomach gets flatter and the buttocks become firm and shapely.

Most people who manage to lose weight do not experience the above results. This is because they are focused on attaining a particular number on the weight scales. While they do achieve that number on the weight scales, they miss out on the experiences mentioned above that only go with effective weight loss.

Long Term Sustainability

Long term sustainability should be the most important factor to consider when trying to lose weight. What is the point of trying to lose weight only to gain it all and more shortly after. What is the point to spend a lifetime fighting weight regain. It makes sense to lose weight effectively so that it comes off and stays off.

Sustainable weight loss only happens when one has inculcated correct habits. Older habits that resulted in someone gaining weight need to be replaced with newer habits that allow someone to lose weight wand keep it off. This is the main reason quick fixes do not result in effective weight loss.

Make Sure You Lose Weight Effectively

A lot of people try to lose weight without bothering if their efforts would be effective. Effective weight loss should be the goal of anyone trying to lose weight.A lot of people go for efficient weight loss rather instead. Efficient weight loss may give the fastest results but may not be sustainable over the long-term.

Effective weight loss is more than just achieving a particular number on the weight scales. It involves losing weight and keeping it off. This is correct weight loss. The weight loss is correct when it is sustainable over the long-term.