Drinking Down the Pounds

Weight Loss Methods Series

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

One out of every two adults in the United States is either overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Accordingly, it should come as no surprise that more and more Americans are dieting. One popular method is the use of diet shakes. But do they work?

Being overweight can increase the risk of various health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. In addition, an overweight person may not have the energy, stamina or physical strength to enjoy the day-to-day life or activities in which they may once have taken part. Overweight people tend to have lower self-esteem and often do not like their appearance, which may cause a decrease in socialization. These facts alone are the reason for nine out of 10 diets in the U.S., according to the CDC.

However, as our society is one in need of "instant gratification," many people often fail when dieting due to feeling that it is too much work for too little results. Dieters often want an easy, quick and effective way to lose weight that doesn't require the diet process consuming their day.

"After having three kids, I realized that I really needed to lose the extra weight," says Carrie Eichler, a nurse and mother of three from Ashland, Ohio. "But with three kids I do not have the time to count calories, fix extra meals for myself or calculate how many points everything I put in my mouth is. I want something quick and easy – but that works."