The proper meaning of diet is to follow eating regimen. When it comes to losing weight, what one really means is losing fat.

Weight loss can be loss of muscle, water (fluid), or fat. Usually peoples weights fluctuate (often due to hydration levels and for a few other factors). Obesity is a growing threat for the majority of people throughout the industrialized world. This is due to unutilized fat in the body, which leads to obesity, which in turn leads to some other health disorders. No wonder weight loss diet programs are so popular across the world.

Weight loss diet programs are based on the simple theory of energy intake and expenditure. People vaguely realize that more eating means gaining more weight. And if calorie burning is more than its intake, one is bound to lose weight. Unfortunately, the real solution of this problem is not so simple. There are five principles to keep in mind - diet (nutrition), cardio (exercise), dedication (consistency), goals, and weight training. It should also be kept in mind that there is no common single solution for all the problems. And, there are no magic potions or miracle instant cures.

The easiest way to follow a weight loss diet program is to follow a controlled and well-planned food chart. One will have consider the recipes and food intake in accordance with ones gender and how much weight one intends to lose. There are a number of weight loss diet programs: low GI diet, low carb diet, low calorie diet, cholesterol lowering diet, 10-minute meals, vegetarian diets, and many others.