What is the truest path to weight-loss? The hardest thing about weight loss is that the solutions are not cut and dry. There is really no magic bullet that will fit every person's metabolism and specific circumstances

There is one thing that is certain for every person, a plan that looks at those key factors affecting an individual is the surest way to achieve real and lasting weight-loss. And there is no doubt that achieving a weight-loss goal will improve your quality of life in,  from improved sleep to stress reduction (and just straight up peace of mind).

Some of the Key factors?

Stress

Increased stress does a lot of things (some of them beneficial). But in terms of weight-gain, it increases the body's production of Cortisol, which interrupts things like your bodies production of lean-tissue, alters glucose and insulin levels AND impedes sleep (among other things).

Poor Sleep

Vicious cycle isn't it? What is it good for? Sleep is your body's specialized system of regenerating cells, re-booting your metabolism and clearing out the cobwebs in your nervous system. Interrupted or poor sleep can put hormone levels out of whack and cause heart and cardiovascular problems. All of the above cause undue stress and can increase weight gain.

Diet

This is always tricky, everyone has a slightly different metabolism, and metabolic needs depending on their activity level. Moderation is super important, and avoiding processes food and additives that can trick your body into being hungrier than it actually is.

Exercise

You can starve yourself all you want, but your health will suffer (and you may  not lose that much weight) without a plan to maintain muscle-mass. Even moderate exercise keeps your metabolism moving more quickly. And without it your metabolism will burn calories (and absorb important nutrients) at a much slower rate, which it does naturally as we age (one of the reasons we need exercise even more as we grow older).

Its never too late to start living a healthier life, get started thinking about what factors are affecting your weight. And consult a health professional to help you develop a real plan. It's easier than you think!