Quickest Weight Loss Programs

Many people are always looking for a new and improved way to lose those 10 extra pounds, whether it's to get ready for swimsuit season, a class reunion or after the holidays. With diet pills, exercise equipment, surgery and meal plans, there is no shortage of methods for losing weight quickly.

Diet Plans

One of the most well-known programs is the Atkins diet. This plan stresses the importance of "good" carbohydrates and focuses on protein and moderate exercise to get extra weight off. The Atkins steps--Four Phases for Optimal Balance--are the induction, ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance and lifetime maintenance. The program claims that participants can lose up to 15 pounds in the first two weeks.

Another weight-loss plan is the South Beach Diet, created by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist. This plan is also broken down into different phases (3 Phases to Success). The first phase is to eliminate cravings and kick-start weight loss by eliminating sugary foods, starch and alcoholic beverages. The second phase is to lose weight steadily by eating all of the phase one foods plus good carbohydrates. The final step is to maintain a healthy weight for life by eating wisely.

The Weight Watchers diet program is based on points. Every person has a different number of allotted points in a day, based on age, sex and weight. All foods are assigned various point values, based on calories, fat and fiber (The Points System). Weight Watchers claims that users can eat whatever they like, as long as they follow the points.

Surgery

Surgery is a high-risk way to lose weight, whether the procedure is liposuction or gastric bypass surgery. Both surgeries require anesthesia and have a number of possible, sometimes serious, complications. Gastric bypass surgery makes the stomach smaller, which limits food intake and results in drastic weight loss. Liposuction surgically removes fat deposits, making it an extremely quick way to lose extra pounds.

Exercise Programs

P90X was created in 1998, but has only recently become widely known as a quick and effective way to lose weight. It uses "muscle confusion," a system that "accelerates the results process by constantly introducing new moves and routines so your body never plateaus," as a basis for weight loss. According to the P90X program, users will become "ripped" in only 90 days. The program also includes a three-part nutrition plan.

The Bowflex is another popular exercise program. Bowflex offers a six-week guarantee for its home gym equipment. This program focuses on weight training to burn fat and build muscle.