The obesity epidemic in the United States is one of the reasons the incidence of Type 2 diabetes has doubled in the past decade.
And the incidence, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is highest in the states where obesity is highest.
The answer is simple: studies show even if your weight loss is not significant, maybe only 5 to 7 percent of your body weight, you can either reduce your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes or reduce your chances of developing diabetic complications if you have already received a diagnosis.
Benefits of weight loss include:

• improved energy levels
• better blood sugar numbers
• better blood pressure readings
• a decreased risk of heart attack and strokes
• less back pain
• less leg pain
• less medication in most cases

Most people would like to lose a little weight and it's no surprise that enterprising individuals have moved in to take advantage.
Generally its a weight loss scam if it sounds too good to be true...

• its unrealistic to lose 20 pounds in a week
• it claims you'll never crave certain foods
• it requires you to buy specialty foods or supplements for a long-term solution
• a "celebrity" claims its perfect for everyone
• "scientific" claims are not backed by material published in approved medical journals
• it claims you "don't have to exercise" to lose weight
• it states you can focus fat burning on a specific body area such as your stomach.
  

Safe weight loss plans encourage you to not:

• starve yourself.
  If you do, your body will try to store fat and you will also lose muscle mass
• take diet pills or supplements.
  Some can cause more harm than good, many contain diuretics and caffeine
• do cleansing or detox plans because they mainly cause weight loss through loss of water and by bringing on diarrhea
• purge yourself after eating
• use drugs to shed weight.
  The risks associated with drugs such as cocaine, speed, thyroid medication and other drugs as a method for losing weight far outweigh any possible benefits.
  

A safe weight loss plans encourages:

• losing approximately 1 to 2 pounds a week
• teaches you about proper food portions
• provides you with education on nutrition for a lifetime not just for a 10 pound loss
• provides reliable support not just a pamphlet
• you to monitor other aspects of your health such as blood pressure and blood sugar - not just your weight.
  

There are some excellent programs based on sound scientific evidence available.
If you want to lose weight, do it the smart way.
Seek medical advice and follow that advice so you don't cause more harm than good to your body.