Productopia | Weight Loss Programs

While researching our report on the best weight-loss programs, we learned that the key to keeping weight off is making sustainable, long-term changes. If you don't address -- and adjust -- the habits that put the weight on in the first place, it'll just come right back. Still, it's hard to resist the lure of celebrity diets, plans that promise to help you quickly, easily shed the pounds and look just as glamorous as the stars. But these fad diets usually don't live up to their promises; here are just a few reasons why. Read more

Weight loss resolve getting you down? This might cheer you up: Weight Watchers lets you eat all the fruit you want. Despite all the grumblings about their new point system, this change may help you take the hunger edge off your dieting, sweetly. Read more

Trying to trim down? Toss back a glass of wine. That's right, according to a recent study, it might make a difference. In their study, scientists monitored about 20,000 trim women. Over time, they found that women who drank alcohol in moderation put on less weight and were less apt to become overweight compared to non-drinkers.

With the arrival of each new year comes a fresh batch of resolutions. For many people, dropping some extra pounds will be a key goal for 2010. Experts say that if you're serious about losing weight, skip the diet pills and fad diets -- the former simply don't work and the latter aren't healthy.  Ideally, you'll want to start a weight loss program that's flexible, based on real foods and that supports and encourages a healthier lifestyle.

To that end, Weight Watchers is considered the best weight loss program overall, boasting a good long-term record of effectiveness. Not all experts are sold on the program's signature "points" system, however, saying that it doesn't truly promote a broader lifestyle change centered around healthy eating. Plus, Weight Watchers' weekly fees can add up quickly.