Intentional weight loss

Intentional weight loss refers to the loss of total body mass in an effort to improve fitness and health, and to change appearance.

Therapeutic weight loss, in individuals who are overweight or obese, can decrease the likelihood of developing diseases such as diabetes,[5] heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, osteoarthritis,[6] and certain types of cancer.

Attention to diet in particular can be extremely beneficial in reducing the impact of diabetes and other health risks of an expanding waist.

Weight loss occurs when an individual is in a state of negative energy balance. When the body is consuming more energy (i.e. in work and heat) than it is gaining (i.e. from food or other nutritional supplements), it will use stored reserves from fat or muscle, gradually leading to weight loss.[citation needed]

It is not uncommon for some people who are currently at their ideal body weight to seek additional weight loss in order to improve athletic performance, and/or meet required weight classification for participation in a sport. However, others may be driven by achieving a more attractive body image. Consequently, being underweight is associated with health risks such as difficulty fighting off infection, osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength, trouble regulating body temperature and even increased risk of death.[7]
[edit] Therapeutic weight loss techniques
See also: Obesity#Management and Bariatrics

The least intrusive weight loss methods, and those most often recommended, are adjustments to eating patterns and increased physical activity, generally in the form of exercise. Physicians will usually recommend that their overweight patients combine a reduction of processed[8] and caloric content of the diet with an increase in physical activity.[9]

Other methods of losing weight include use of drugs and supplements that decrease appetite, block fat absorption, or reduce stomach volume.

Weight Loss Coaching is rapidly growing in popularity in the United States, with the number of available coaches nearly doubling since 2000.[citation needed] Finally, surgery (i.e. bariatric surgery) may be used in more severe cases to artificially reduce the size of the stomach, thus limiting the intake of food energy.
[edit] Crash dieting

A crash diet refers to willful nutritional restriction (except water) for more than 12 hours. The desired result is to have the body burn fat for energy with the goal of losing a significant amount of weight in a short time. There is a possibility of excessive muscle loss, depending on the approach used.

Crash dieting is not the same as intermittent fasting, in which the individual periodically abstains from food (e.g., every other day)