Seasonal Affective Disorder—or SAD—might be one of the most appropriate acronyms in medical history. It’s a depressive condition that reflects the ultimate battle between light and darkness—sunshine hidden by clouds, and sunsets happening quicker and sooner than ever. As a result, symptoms usually start in the fall, and subside in early spring or summer.

There are many weight loss fads out there that are simply a waste of your time and money. But, no single supplement or exercise can make you lose weight—and keep it off— on its own. Healthy weight loss is a combination of diet, exercise and lifestyle choices. That’s why we’ve gathered 40 of the best weight loss tips that are proven by science to help you on your weight loss journey.

First off, right off the top, it needs to be stated that this article is no substitute for medical assistance and support, and neither is it intended to be a self-diagnostic tool. Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder), body dysmorphia, and hypergymnasia (when one exercises excessively) are all cases where working with a professional is absolutely critical to safe and healthy recovery.