There are so many reasons why people with particular medical conditions are advised to lose weight.

For example, for people with diabetes, it is necessary to lessen insulin resistance which can be caused by obesity.  Interestingly many people have gone into remission from type 2 diabetes through sensible eating and weight loss.

In the case of some other conditions such as multiple sclerosis weight loss is needed to counteract the weight gain caused by medications prescribed for the condition.

But for a number of medical conditions, however, weight loss is important because of the impact of obesity on the joints.  Arthritis is just one such example. It is important not to put too much pressure on the joints when moving so as to minimize pain among other problems.  Thus weight loss becomes a priority for anyone diagnosed with arthritis.

There are a number of ways of losing weight which people may wish to consider.  But it is very important that you consult a medical practitioner prior to embarking on any course of action like this.

However, there are a number of different options you may want to consider in conjunction with your Doctor.

1. Weight loss or bariatric surgery.  Yes, this is pretty extreme but it is very effective.  The downside is that a lot of patients report that returning to normal eating is very hard.

1. A specialist but paid for a diet such as Our Path or Weightwatchers.  My wife has used Our Path which combines diet with mindfulness techniques with great success.  The downside is that, of course, they are expensive. But those that encourage permanent change in diet and other behaviors seem to be the most successful in stopping the effect of “yoyo” dieting.

1. Calorie counting or cutting out carbohydrate diets.  It can work well in the short term but these diets are hard to keep up in the longer run.

1. Exercise.  We love it here.  I do yoga and cycling and find it really helps with my weight.  But both types of exercise are also recommended for people with multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.  For some advice on how to lose weight with arthritic knees, for example, the link is a great resource.
   
   
2.  Alcohol.  Even a few drinks brakes down our will power to keep up with our good habits and eat foods we know are bad for us.  Alcohol itself is full of empty calories so many dieticians suggest you should give it up completely or at best have only one drink.

1. Drink water instead of sodas and fizzy drinks.  I have been suggesting drinking up to three liters of water a day.  That is around six pints. Will help you lose weight.

1. Finally try and find a way of living which you enjoy rather than thinking weight loss is a chore.

So what have you used to lose weight and how has it worked?  Why not use the comments box below to share your experiences with your fellow readers.