Smaller portions equal less weight

Participants in a non-scientific Times-Gazette web site poll say that decreasing their overall food portions is the most important factor in weight loss.

Doctors say a balanced, all-around approach is the best way to lose weight, but we asked poll participants to say which specific element of a weight loss plan they consider most important or helpful.

Decreasing overall food portions and caloric intake came in first, with 104 votes, or 44.4 percent.

"Calories is the ultimate measure," wrote one participant. "When we deprive our bodies of 3,500 calories we will lose one pound."

A distant second was eating or avoiding specific types of food, such as increasing the amount of fiber in one's diet or reducing fat or carbohydrates. That choice got 41 votes, or 17.5 percent.

"Eat food produced by small farmers, not ag corporations," wrote a participant.

Increasing your overall activity during the day, with examples such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, was third at 38 votes, or 16.2 percent, while specific workout or exercise routines had 36 votes, or 15.4 percent.

Psychological or motivational factors rounded out the list at 15 votes, or 6.4 percent.

Voluntary, self-selected web site polls aren't considered scientific because there's no way to guarantee that the people who choose to participate represent a true cross-section of the target population.