Please support this work by patronizing the quality vendors referenced here and on the Links page when you can.. The Good Regular exercise, along with many other benefits, is an effective weight-loss tool. Also, proper exercise and judicious use of supplements can speed weight loss and help keep the weight off. Likewise, changing how and what you eat can have a big impact.  * The Not-So-Good Overall, you have the metabolism you have, and it tends to slow in most people as they age. Also, sustaining changes in diet and exercise is difficult for most people (but critical to sustainable weight-loss -- therefore, embrace a program you can live with for the long haul). Issues Despite diets based around various odd food choices, recent research suggests that a diet rich in complex carbohydrates and containing plenty of good oils (e.g., olive, flax, and fish oils) tends to promote a healthy weight. That said, everyone's metabolism is unique, and one size does not fit all. As has been recommended since the time of Socrates, learn what foods work best for you . Some approaches to exercise (e.g., resistance and interval training, for those fit enough to do them) yield metabolic benefits for hours after exercise. But any exercise is a plus. As with diet, approach exercise as a life practice, not a two-month fad, and therefore find a form of exercise that you enjoy. Useful Nutrients Various supplements and herbs affect fat-burning and appetite. Green tea (even decaffeinated) improves fat-burning, so it is an excellent adjunct to exercise. CLA (Conjugated Linolenic Acid) also seems to help weight loss. Pinoleic Acid (a fatty acid from pine nuts) shows promise as an appetite suppressant (as does hoodia, according to research). A good multivitamin also makes sense, so as to ensure sufficient nutrition even with a lower intake of food. Weight-Loss Supplements Table The table below summarizes the current research for nutritional and lifestyle effects on weight loss. This should be used only as a general guideline, and personalized, ideally, with the help of a sympathetic doctor. GAIAHEALTH HOME    HEALTH INFORMATION/SEARCH