From the author: Rau A.D. Extra pounds usually accumulate unnoticed. And one day, we step on the scale and realize that our weight is far from ideal. The search begins for an effective way to lose weight. Effective is in most cases an easy and quick way to lose weight. And, despite the fact that experts in the field of weight loss talk and write that the optimal way to lose weight should first be safe for health, and therefore clearly planned and consistent, people are not ready to wait, they want to lose weight “quickly”, and sometimes and “very quickly.” Methods to lose weight, conditionally, can be divided into those that are safe for health and those that are questionable. Let’s look at the most commonly used methods of losing weight. The most common ways to lose weight are various types of diets. A huge number of them have been invented: cabbage, kefir, Japanese, Kremlin, protein, Larisa Dolina’s diet, Montignac’s diet, etc. Various names of diets reflect their diverse methods and ways to lose weight. All this variety of ways to lose weight is united, perhaps, by three aspects. The first is that all diets are aimed at obtaining a certain result in weight loss in a relatively short period of time. The second aspect that unites this group of ways to lose weight is characterized by the presence of certain restrictions in the diet, which leads to the fact that our body does not receive enough of certain nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals). This, of course, does not have the best effect on the functioning of the body and most often causes some harm to human health. The third, and perhaps the most important aspect is that this method of losing weight helps you lose weight only temporarily. The so-called “yo-yo effect” is well known, which is that after the end of the diet, the weight begins to gain back. As a result, we get the virtual absence of long-term results, despite quite serious volitional efforts made by a person during a diet. From here we conclude that diets are a quick but not safe way to lose weight, and they are not suitable for long-term weight maintenance at a certain level. The second most commonly used way to lose weight is physical activity. Strength training in the gym, aerobic exercise, running, etc., require a person to have fairly high motivation and willpower. It should be noted that physical activity is a very important factor in weight loss, and it rather complements a dietary weight loss program, increasing its effectiveness. The use of physical activity, even intense and grueling, as a separate, independent way to lose weight does not lead to significant results in weight loss. Moreover, upon completion of physical activity, a person, as a rule, gains extra pounds again. Taking medications is a fairly effective way to lose weight, but several points should be noted. Firstly, taking medications one way or another affects your health. Therefore, these drugs should be used only after the recommendation of a doctor. Secondly, most weight loss drugs have a number of side effects that can affect the usual rhythm of life of the person taking them (diuretic effect, taking in a certain mode, etc.). It is also better to know about this in advance and choose the most suitable drug in consultation with a doctor. The next way to lose weight, which is used by people who are experienced in losing excess weight and have not received the desired result, is surgical intervention. Perhaps one of the most dangerous and traumatic ways to lose weight. This includes methods of losing weight such as liposuction, gastric reduction, etc. In addition to the risks associated with surgery, these methods of losing weight serve as a tool for rapid weight loss, which is dangerous in itself. In addition, they do not solve the problems that caused the weight to increase.