The startling reality is that American obesity rates are skyrocketing-and with obesity comes health problems. Diabetes, strokes, heart issues, knee problems and bad backs are all caused by obesity-and can be cured as well by weight loss. (Here's a simple workout for your bad back.) This is not surprising as the food industry has gotten us hooked on both large portions, and unhealthy, corn syrup and hydrogenated fat-laden garbage. Because of this, weight loss is very, very important and everyone is looking for weight loss tips. Not only is the extra weight unhealthy, but it also is unattractive and causes a lack of energy as well. Whether you're looking for weight loss tips for health or cosmetic reasons, losing weight will not just help you to look better, it can extend your lifespan and increase your quality of life. But how do you go about losing weight if you're busy with your daily routine? Most of us don't have time, or even the willpower, to get to the gym or get out for a jog. These things definitely help but there are others ways to drop those unwanted pounds without investing the extra effort.

The key is to make a few minor lifestyle changes. A few changes to the things you eat can have a massive effect on your BMI, which is the calculation of fat in relation to your body mass. The more efficient your diet the quicker you will lose weight. An efficient diet is one that only gives you what you need to eat. The first thing to do is to cut out the fast food and the junk food, the mortal enemies of weight-loss. Fast food and junk food can give you enough fat and calories for an elephant! Not only that, but the calories from such a diet are empty-meaning even though you eat, because what you're eating is not nutritious, your body still wants more food. So if you're serious about weight loss, drop the fast food/junk food diet killer-and fast! By making this simple change in what you eat you will begin to take off the weight. The rate of weight-loss is up to your body's metabolism and, of course, exercise will help-but this simple start is bound to leave you feeling better. The weight-loss from a diet often does not work because people eventually go back to their regular eating habits. Think of the alcoholic who goes back to drinking-is being hooked on fast food any different? Both damage your body, yet you do it even though you know it's bad for you. It's really evil that way, and therefore requires a serious mental commitment to change. This is especially important for those of us over thirty. As we age our metabolism slows down and and weight-loss gets much more difficult. You must break your love affair with French fries and doughnuts and ice-cream and hamburgers or the calories and fat will continue to mount. Weight-loss simply doesn't happen like it did in your twenties so if at all possible, start early on and keep it off.

Your next step in achieving permanent weight-loss is to start looking at labels. You want to look out for high fructose corn syrup and cut it out of your diet completely. The body doesn't now deal with this unnatural chemical well and it pretty much turns right into fat. And studies show it also causes diabetes.

Next, drink lots of water. This simple step is often overlooked, but it can help greatly with achieving weight-loss. Eight to ten glasses a day is beneficial flush to the body, ridding it of fat and purifying it. And never forget that a glass of water before a meal can make you feel full, and therefore eat less.

'If it's white, it ain't right!' White bread, sugar and rice aren't good for you, and they aren't good for weight-loss. Empty, wasted calories devoid of nutritional benefit, they turn to fat as soon as they get digested. Try their healthier brown brothers, wheat bread, brown rice and raw sugar. Replace sweet cravings with healthy, organic fruits, but watch the pesticides if it's not organic.

These are just a few weight loss tips that you will need to stay focused on as you work to reduce your weight. Remember, weight loss requires a commitment to a new lifestyle. You CAN do it! Weight loss can take many months (in fact, it works better that way), so work to make a positive lifestyle change and you will see progress. Look at it this way, don't try and lose weight. Don't try and diet. Make a commitment to a healthy lifestyle and the weight loss will naturally happen.