Trying to lose weight without simultaneously aiming for optimum health is like trying to cook tasty and good food without salt. For those who are overweight, weight loss is merely a route to optimum health. You can not achieve long-term weight loss without looking into other details of your health like digestion, elimination, hormonal balance, nutrient, intake, present nutritional status, physiology, emotional problems (if any), genetic factors, mood fluctuations, glandular fuctions, lifestyle analysis, exercise schedule etc.