We have often discussed the problem of obesity in the Army National Guard and Reserves.
As a matter of act, obesity is a huge issue in the complete United States.
As people realize the problem, weight loss programs and diet plans have become more important to many people.
Now the issue can be choosing the best weight loss program and/or diet plan for your needs.
There are just so many choices that the decision can be difficult.
So in today’s post, I have decided to provide you with the 35 most popular weight loss programs and diet plans.
This may help you decide on a good plan for you.
Not only will these programs and diets help you lose weight, you will learn to live a healthy lifestyle and they can also help other body functions.
I will start at #35 and work up to #1.
I will tell you some things about the plan and provide a link for more information.
#35: The Traditional Asian Diet
Studies have shown that people in Asian countries tend be less obese overall than Americans.
Plus, they have less cases of cancer and heart disease.
Much of this is believed to be related to their diet pattern.
The Asian Diet consists of:
- rice
- noodles
- whole grains
- fruits
- vegetables
- seeds and nuts
- daily fish or shellfish
Red meat is only allowed once per month.
#34: The Atkins Diet
The idea behind the Atkins diet is to reduce sugar and carbohydrates.
By doing so, your body is forced to burn the fat to create energy.
The Atkins diet has had a fair share of critics, but there are many people who swear by the program.
So it is low carbs and high fat.
#33: The Vegetarian Diet
This diet has increased in popularity.
Many people who follow a vegetarian diet are less obese, but it is important that a person finds proper foods to get their protein since meat is forbidden.
#32: The Fast Diet
This diet consists of eating as you like for 5 days of the week but for 2 days, men can eat only 600 calories and women 500.
So you are not completely fasting, but eating much less for 2 days.
This program works well, but you should check with your Doctor before taking on this diet.
#31: The Jillian Michaels Weight Loss Program
Jillian Michaels is a well known coach and trainer that can make your weight loss goals a reality.
She will provide you with a daily weight loss and fitness plan that many people have been overjoyed with.
Ifit Jillian Michaels Weight Loss Program Level 1
#30: The Spark Solution Diet
This 2 week diet and fitness plan has made a huge difference in many people’s lives.
Many find that once they integrate this program, the system stays in place and they eat properly automatically.
The Spark Solution: A Complete Two-Week Diet Program to Fast-Track Weight Loss and Total Body Health
#29: The Kind Diet
Developed by actress Alicia Silverstone, the Kind Diet is a system to make your diet primarily vegan.
Alicia shows you how to slowly transition yourself into this and you WILL lose weight.
The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet
#28: The Engine 2 Diet
This diet plan was developed by a Texas firefighter.
He helped members of his squad become healthy and will show you the foods that can make you strong and healthy too.
#27: Body For Life
Bill Phillips was a competitive body builder and has developed this program that is a 12 week physical and mental challenge to good health and well-being.
There are many positive testimonials for this program.
Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength
#26: Inside Out Weight Loss Program
Doctor Renée Stevens developed a series of podcasts to help you in your weight loss journey.
You can get these podcasts simply by subscribing via their iTunes channel.
Other posts you may enjoy:
- Weight Loss Tips for Army Soldiers and Military Personnel
- Five Ways Army Leaders Can Help Their Overweight Soldiers Lose Weight
- Army Weight Control Program Overview
#25: Provida Life Sciences
Provida has several solutions to develop a healthier you.
They were started in 2000 and have been helping people lose weight since.
Visit the Provida Life Sciences website here.
#24: Herbalife
This multilevel marketing company is well known for their weight loss supplements and programs.
Their are many independent distributors all around the nation, or you can visit the Herbalife website here.
#23: Beachbody
Beachbody is an all around program that will supply you with DVDs, shakes and nutritional supplements to give you the body you desire.
This multilevel marketing program has been greatly accepted.
You can visit their website here.
#22: LA Weight Loss
With a program designed to fit your needs, LA Weight Loss has shown dramatic results for many people.
#21: Right Size Smoothies
This company provides meal replacement shakes and smoothies.
They have ample protein along with other needed nutrients.
You can visit the Right Size website to see more.
#20: Fertility Diet
While this diet isn’t necessarily for losing weight, the diet plan is great for people trying to lose pounds…but beware, you may get pregnant easily.
This diet is meant to make the body at optimum performance to conceive a baby.
#19: Raw Food Diet
This is a diet that has really taken hold recently.
The idea is to eat only raw foods that have no additives and are completely organic.
Foods within this diet consist of:
- fruits and vegetables
- fish
- eggs
- nuts and seeds
- and even some meats
But, there are dangers involved with this, so you need to research the complete diet before partaking in it.
The Fully Raw Diet: 21 Days to Better Health, with Meal and Exercise Plans, Tips, and 75 Recipes
#18: The Paleo Diet
This diet is based off what early humans ate… The Paleolithic, which were a stone-age people.
The diet consists of nuts, fruits, vegetables and certain meats, but leaves out many processed items that people of those times would not have ingested.
It is considered a fad diet, but many people have been happy they have joined this fad as they have lost many pounds.
The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Foods You Were Designed to Eat
#17: Eco-Atkins Diet
Based off the Atkins Diet, the Eco-Atkins Diet goes a step further adding a vegan plan to the original diet.
For the people who want the benefits of the Atkins Diet without meat or dairy, this is the diet for them.
#16: Medifast
The Medifast Program is designed to give you every possible avenue to lose weight.
They design a program for you and provide the meals.
The testimonials are numerous.
While it is somewhat costly, you will lose weight as long as you follow the plan.
#15: Volumetrics Weight Loss Diet
The Volumetrics diet focuses on foods that have a low density and high water content.
The person who developed this plan, Dr. Barbara Rolls, believed that by using these foods, a person could eat as much as they want to satisfy hunger unlike many other diet plans that leave people feeling hunger.
The plan doesn’t promise huge immediate weight loss, but consistent loss.
#14: Nutrisystem
The Nutrisystem program provides you with a meal plan and all the meals are delivered direct to your door.
It is approximately 1 month worth of meals that provide all the proper nutrition to help you lose weight and feel great.
#13: The Flexitarian Diet
I find that more and more people are following this type of diet plan and do not even know they are.
The Flexitarian Diet is essentially a flexible vegetarian diet.
The user of this diet plan follows a primary vegan diet but occasionally eats meat.
There are no absolute rules with this diet and as such, weight loss can be hard to measure in overall stats.
#12: The TLC Diet
TLC stands for Therapeutic Life Changes, and this diet is pushed by the American Heart Association.
The main aim of the TLC Diet is to cutting back on fat and lowering your cholesterol intake, and adding more fiber.
This diet does mean you will have to really check ingredients in foods you purchase.
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the TLC Diet (Complete Idiot’s Guides (Lifestyle Paperback))
#11: The Slim Fast Diet Plan
Slim Fast makes much more than those simple shakes we used to see.
They now have meal replacement shakes, snack bars and more.
The Slim Fast plan shows you how to eat 6 times per day and lose weight.
#10: The South Beach Diet
This program was developed by a cardiologist and many people have fallen in love with the plan.
You get the meals delivered to your door, and they will fill and satisfy you, but you WILL lose weight.
#9: The Mayo Clinic Diet
This diet has been well accepted since it was instituted by Doctors and staff at the infamous Mayo Clinic.
Not only does this diet give you tips on what to eat, but also strives to teach people on living healthy lifestyles.
The Mayo Clinic Diet: Eat well. Enjoy Life. Lose weight.
#8: The Mediterranean Diet
This is a favorite diet of many people and has shown that it not only keeps people slim and trim, but they seem to live longer lives.
The diet focuses on eating fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, and a huge focus on fish.
Olive oil is used and small amounts of red wine are favored.
#7: HMR Weight Loss Program
This program has coaches that lead you along with healthy eating patterns, exercise and lifestyle changes.
There are various program locations around the country.
You should visit the HMR website to learn more.
#6: The Ornish Diet
This diet is developed to help you reverse bad results from past lifestyles and diets.
The idea is eating foods you enjoy and taste good, but within the parameters of proper nutrition.
Also, the diet deems that foods are natural and organic.
#5: The DASH Diet
This diet was originally designed to help lower blood pressure in people, but it has also shown great results in weight loss.
This diet was featured on the Today Show and is being used by many people.
The Dash Diet Weight Loss Solution: 2 Weeks to Drop Pounds, Boost Metabolism, and Get Healthy
#4: The MIND Diet
The MIND diet helps with weight loss, but the primary idea is helping our brains.
This diet is believed to fight diseases like Alzheimers.
The foods consist of fish, berries and leafy greens.
#3: The Biggest Loser Diet
Instituted from the Biggest Loser reality television show, this diet is based on an eating pyramid of 4-3-2-1.
4 servings of fruits and vegetables, 3 servings of lean protein, 2 servings of whole grains and the 1 is 200 calories of anything else.
People have found dramatic weight loss by following this program.
#2: Jenny Craig
The Jenny Craig weight loss plan is guaranteed to work.
There are locations all around the country, and you will be given a dedicated counselor.
There is even a special right now to lose 20 pounds for $20 plus the cost of food.
Just visit their website here.
#1: Weight Watchers
Hands down, Weight Watchers is the top weight loss program there is.
The Weight Watchers program has shown true results and many people have been losing pounds and enjoying life.
Visit the Weight Watchers website here.
Final Thoughts
Obesity is a huge problem in America and in the U.S. military.
But with determination and help like above, we can overcome obesity; live longer and enjoy life to its fullest.
So what are your thoughts?
What is your favorite program or diet?
Is there any not listed here that you would recommend?
You can share your comments and questions below.
Thank you.

Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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Its interesting when you said that many people who follow a vegetarian diet are less obese. My mother has been trying to lose weight for years and she is still struggling. Thanks for all the weight loss programs and I will forward your article to my mom so that she can look into these programs.
Glad to be of help. I know some people really struggle with losing weight on a vegetarian or vegan diet because of the high carb count. Of course, it’s different for everyone. That’s just what I’ve noticed.