Behavior modification is the adoption of new habits in order to reach a certain goal, such as weight loss. Some behavioral techniques focus on helping you become more aware of what you eat.

Metabolism (meh-TAB-oh-lihz-um) is the process by which your body converts food into energy or 'burns calories.' This process occurs at different rates in different people.

A calorie is a measure of energy. Some foods provide more calories, or energy, than others do. To lose one pound of fat, you must create a deficit of 3,500 (thirty-five hundred) fewer calories than your body uses to operate.

A sensible diet can help you lose weight by reducing the amount of calories you eat. Exercise can help you lose weight by increasing the calories you burn.

Despite the efforts of medical experts to inform the public about dieting, a great deal of misinformation remains. One persistent myth is that it's almost impossible to lose weight and keep it off.

Diet pills fall into three general categories: over-the-counter, herbal, and prescription. The active ingredient in almost all non-herbal, over-the-counter diet pills is phenylpropanolamine (fee-nul-proh-puh-NOLE-uh-meen).

The best programs for long-term weight loss involve common-sense strategies, not drastic fad diets. Here are a few tips that may help you lose weight.

The best diet isn't really a 'diet' at all, but rather a long-term commitment to healthier eating. Of course, making such changes isn't easy. In many cases, you may have to 'unlearn' a lifetime of bad habits.

Sometimes the best way to fight food cravings is to indulge them on a limited basis. Every now and then, allow yourself that piece of pizza or cheesecake.

Support groups can be a valuable tool for those striving to lose weight. As with any struggle, most people find it comforting to know that they're not alone.

The term 'health spa' may be used to describe a wide variety of facilities, from weight loss camps in rustic settings to luxurious hotels featuring low-calorie gourmet cuisine and lots of pampering.

Your ideal weight isn't based on appearance or clothing size, as some people believe. Actually, it's the weight range at which you have the lowest risk of death, because you're considered neither overweight nor underweight.

Obesity is a condition in which a person weighs more than 20 percent over his or her ideal weight or has a body mass index of greater than 30. The body mass index, or BMI (B-M-I), is a ratio of weight to height.

Many people occasionally overeat, especially during holidays or special events. For some, however, overeating becomes a virtual addiction in which food is used as a way to cope with stress or suppress emotions.

Motivation is crucial to losing weight and maintaining your loss. While shedding pounds can have its own rewards, such as increased energy, an improved appearance, and a more comfortable fit in your clothes, it's important to reward yourself deliberately as well.

There's no shortage of diets and weight loss programs; the key is finding one that's safe and effective. While no single method is suited for everyone, good weight loss programs will share some certain features.

The key to maintaining weight loss over time, experts say, is making permanent changes in your eating habits. Rather than constantly struggling to deny yourself, try to listen to cues from your body.

A 'diet,' in the sense of a particular regimen of foods with severely restricted calories, is typically ineffective for long-term weight loss. The major reason diets don't work is that they're unrealistic.