The key to successful weight loss is based on common sense, and Liz Neporent, a fitness writer who had written for the New York Times as well as other leading publications, offers "Weight Loss Success: 7 Slim Down Secrets."

We should all know rule # 1 by now: “Give both eating habits and exercise top billing. You cannot, I repeat, cannot lose weight without watching what you eat and getting your butt in gear."

Read the other six rules at iVillage.