Thought all Internet-based weight loss programs were a waste of time? Think again. According to a Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research study published in the open access Journal of Medical Internet Research, the more people used an interactive weight management website, the more weight loss they maintained.

In the past the general rule for effective, permanent weight loss was to lose weight slowly and steadily – about two to four pounds each week. However, a new study conducted at the University of Florida suggests that the best way to shed pounds and keep them off is to lose weight quickly in the initial stages.

Learn more about the different benefits of quick weight loss revealed in the study and six healthy ways to lose weight quickly starting today.

Tired of shouldering the challenges of natural weight loss on your own? Get your colleagues involved. One study investigated the physical activity levels of Home Depot employees who participated in the “Move to Improve” program. Researchers found that workplace programs that encourage employees to set exercise goals really pay off. Find out how participants got fitter, and how you can get a similar program started at your workplace.

One of the biggest obstacles to achieving natural weight loss can come from within — doubt. If you haven’t been at your ideal weight for some time, it can be especially difficult to imagine getting there.

But these self doubts aren’t based on any solid evidence. Only what you have come to believe and accept as true about yourself. Learn a few practical ways to stamp out self doubt and keep your natural weight loss goals firmly in focus — and achievable.

rue, some degree of dissatisfaction with your weight and body image can be a powerful motivator. But an overall positive body image is essential when to the success of your holistic weight loss plan.

It boosts your self-esteem. Plus, it helps you to make the wisest, healthiest choices for your body and overall health. As you come to love (or even like) your body, you’ll be less likely to abuse it with fad diets, unhealthy supplements, and poor exercise routines.