Before we advice you about effective diets, we are going to help you answer the previous questions.
The first answer can only be given by yourself or your doctor.

For the second question, you only have to give two simple answers: what is your height? and: how much do you weigh? With this information your body-mass-index (BMI) can be computed. If you have never done this before, please do so now. You will be presented with a short page with a few helpful links.

calculate your BMI

The BMI-calculator is constructed for both metric and non-metric standards. There is an English and a Dutch version. The Dutch version is made in a graphically very attractive way.

For the third question, check this 10 Dietary Guidelines

If your BMI is over the edge and only if you eliminated a potential medical reason and after you made sure you generally follow the dieteary guidelines, we advice you to go ahead with step 2.

Step 2

Fat diets, unbalanced diets, diet pills, diet supplements, weight loss surgery and other short term weight loss methods are not recommended for permanent weight control.
You presumably noticed already that we advice people to cut down on animal protein. If you do this, combined with complying to the dietary guidlines, your BMI will end up between save borders. If not, please consult a dietician.
If you decide to seek further information about help on following a diet for slimming, here is our list of relevant books.

Disclaimer
The information on this site is intended as an aid to weight loss and weight maintenance, and does not offer medical advice. If you suffer from, or think you may suffer from, a medical condition you should consult your family doctor before starting a weight loss and/or exercise regime. If you decide to start exercising after a period of relative inactivity you should start very slowly and consult your doctor if you experience any discomfort, distress or any other symptoms. If you feel any discomfort or pain when you exercise, do not continue.