Why do we not know 
how to lose weight? The answer is simple. No one has given us the information or we were misinformed. Starting with the development of commercial diet programs. If we were to invest in a program, we will be able to lose weight. These programs will work. Most programs work because of the pre-calculated calorie restriction. Even though it can work, it is not sustainable. Majority of the time we will gain the weight right back after being on the program. When we take a closer look at these programs; they are not cost-effective, they don’t taste great, and it doesn’t fit our natural lifestyle. The underlying factor as to why these programs work is calorie restriction. We all have what is known as Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). BMR is the number of calories that is required per day to stay alive and for our bodies to function. An average person’s BMR is 1,600 calories. Our bodies will burn the budgeted calories in order to ensure that our bodies will function normally. Any calories over that will be stored for when it is needed. If we consume less calories, our bodies will look for other energy resources such as fat; thus, we will begin to lose weight. The general rule of thumb is to intake 1,200 calories to lose weight; which is lower than the average BMR of 1,600 calories. If we burn more calories than what we consume then we will lose weight as the body searches for the stored energy, such as fat, within our bodies.