There are lots of ways to lose weight. The question is, how do you lose weight and keep it off? Atkins advocates argue that their diet works -- as do many other diets that strictly limit food groups or calories. But is losing weight worthwhile if you go right back to your old eating habits and regain the weight? Most folks who use restrictive diets regain the lost weight and then some. That's why "diets don't work."

So What Does Work?

The bottom line with weight loss is that you have to eat fewer calories than you burn -- regardless of whether the calories come from carbs, protein, or fat. Still, the weight-loss approach that works for someone else may not work for you because losing weight is very individualized. It is up to you to find the right fit.

Regardless of the type of weight-loss program you choose, there are some fundamental keys to success. There are numerous weight loss plans that are effective because they are