Friday, October 02

Zvoguma Pano Enough Is Enough Declares President Mnangagwa

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday threw down the gauntlet and declared he had had "enough of the machinations" of opposition political parties and hostile countries plotting his downfall and frustrating government efforts to re-calibrate the economy.

In a special televised address from State House in Harare in the wake of fierce local and foreign criticism of his administration following the brutal crackdown on organisers of last week's foiled anti-government protests, Mnangagwa threatened to "flush out bad apples" destabilising government efforts to resuscitate the economy and entrench democracy in the country.

"We make no apologies for fixing our systems across political, social and economic spectrum ..." he said.

"The dark forces, both inside and outside our borders, have tampered with our growth and prosperity for too long. They have thrived on dividing us. Let us as a people embrace the call for patriotism, hard work, transparency, accountability, love, unity and peace."

Mnangagwa, whose tenure has been blighted by high-level corruption, runaway inflation and currency volatility, blamed natural forces and the opposition for working against him.

"Undoubtedly, my administration has faced many hurdles and attacks since its inauguration. These included the divisive politics of some opposition elements, the illegal economic sanctions, cyclones, droughts and more recently, the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Added to this, is economic aggression, local currency manipulation and detractors who fear the inevitable imminent success of our reforms. All this was meant to undermine our projected economic growth and stability," he said.

The Zanu-PF administration has consistently clashed with Western countries, particularly the European Union bloc and the United States, whom it accuses of fomenting civil unrest to force regime change.

"We will overcome attempts at destabilisation of our society by a few rogue Zimbabweans acting in league with foreign detractors. The reforms, opening up, liberalisation and modernisation, we began shall continue with accelerated pace. Those who promote hate and disharmony will never win. The bad apples that have attempted to divide our people and to weaken our systems will be flushed out. Good shall triumph over evil," he said.

The embattled Zanu-PF leader, who is also fighting fierce factional wars within his party, said despite his public spat with EU and US envoys over human rights abuses by security forces, his administration remained committed to democracy and enhancing co-operation with friends and partners in the international community.

Mnangagwa also declared that security forces "will carry out with strictness and resolve" against what he described as terrorist opposition groupings.
He also promised prosperity, insisting that his government was on the path of achieving its vision 2030 of a middle-income economy and a better life for all.

"To achieve the prosperity we deserve, let us all unite, working together towards a common goal and dealing with each other in honesty and love. We make no apologies for fixing our systems across the socio, economic and political spectrum," he said.

Since last week, Mnangagwa's government has been under fire from regional and international human rights groups over its use of brute force to crush dissent.

At the weekend, some of the rights groups and politicians launched a social media campaign dubbed #ZimbabweanLivesMatter to pile pressure on the international community to call Mnangagwa to order.

Opposition MDC Alliance presidential affairs secretary Jameson Timba rubbished suggestions that they were a terrorist organisation.

Political commentator Ibbo Mandaza yesterday said Mnangagwa's address confirmed that the regime was now in panic mode.

"They know that the international world has given up on them and now the real frightening thing for them is that the region will soon send warning signals. From what we are picking up from the region and we are working with the region, I think they are in for a shocker," Mandaza said.

Academic Pedzisai Ruhanya said: "If there is anyone who is working against his government it is himself and Zanu-PF on the basis that they are refusing to reform. Instead of moving the country forward in line with his new dispensation, open for business mantra, he is taking the country back to Rhodesia. Issues of abductions, issues of torture are associated with Mugabe, are associated with Rhodesia and surely that cannot be blamed on the opposition.

"The incidents of terrorism that we have, that everyone knows, are associated with the State as run by Zanu-PF. From Gukurahundi to 2000 election violence, 2002 and 2008 massive electoral violence all these things are State-sanctioned, so the biggest terrorism in Zimbabwe is State-organised and for the President there is only one way to address the problems we face — that is to return the country to democratic legitimacy. You cannot talk open for business, new dispensation while you torture, while you abduct people, while people feel insecure, while you criminalise dissent. What is new dispensation about tortures, abduction and police brutality?"

Another political analyst Rashweat Mkundu said: "His statement rather shows a man who is not sure about his policy or where he is standing in terms of his power. It's also a statement that is speaking not only to his opponents, but also to those who are angling to kick him out of power from within Zanu-PF. So it's more of someone trying to reassure himself that he is still in charge and send a message to both internal and external critics that they need to be on the watch for his wrath. But it does not engender any confidence because it simply demonstrates that this government is behind the harassment and attacks on the opposition, which of course he denies."

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Best Weight Loss Programs That Actually Work: A Complete Guide to Safe, Sustainable Results

Best Weight Loss Programs That Actually Work

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Losing weight is not just about eating less for a few weeks. The real goal is building a system you can actually live with.

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That is where a good weight loss program becomes valuable. The best weight loss programs do more than hand you a meal chart. They help you understand your eating habits, improve your activity level, manage cravings, track progress, and build long-term discipline.

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A successful program should not feel like punishment. It should feel structured, realistic, and flexible enough to fit your life.

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What Makes a Weight Loss Program Effective?

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A strong weight loss program usually includes four major parts: nutrition, movement, behavior change, and accountability.

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The CDC explains that healthy weight loss includes healthy eating patterns, regular physical activity, sleep, and stress management. That means a program focused only on cutting calories may not be enough. Your body, schedule, emotions, and environment all matter.

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A good weight loss program should help you answer these questions:

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What should I eat?

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How much should I eat?

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How do I stay consistent?

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What should I do when progress slows down?

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How do I avoid gaining the weight back?

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If a plan cannot answer those questions, it may not be complete.

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Types of Weight Loss Programs

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1. Lifestyle-Based Weight Loss Programs

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Lifestyle programs focus on healthy eating, daily movement, sleep improvement, stress control, and habit building.

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These are often the best place to start because they teach long-term skills. Instead of depending on extreme dieting, you learn how to make better choices every day.

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A lifestyle program may include:

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Meal planning
rnPortion control
rnWalking or strength training goals
rnWeekly weigh-ins
rnFood tracking
rnCoaching or group support
rnSleep and stress guidance

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This type of program is ideal for people who want slow, steady, realistic progress.

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2. Medical Weight Loss Programs

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Medical weight loss programs are supervised by doctors, nurse practitioners, dietitians, or other licensed professionals.

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These programs may include lab work, body composition tracking, health screenings, prescription options, and ongoing clinical support.

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The NIH notes that treatment for overweight and obesity can include lifestyle changes, support from specialists, medicines, and other medical tools when appropriate.

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Medical weight loss may be a good option for people who:

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Have obesity-related health concerns
rnHave tried dieting many times without lasting success
rnNeed professional monitoring
rnAre considering prescription weight loss medication
rnHave conditions such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, or sleep apnea

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A medical program should always be supervised by qualified health professionals.

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3. Online Weight Loss Programs

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Online weight loss programs are popular because they are convenient. You can track food, meet with coaches, follow workouts, and receive meal plans from home.

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A good online program should include:

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Easy meal tracking
rnProgress reports
rnCoaching access
rnEducational content
rnExercise guidance
rnSupport community
rnRealistic goals

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Online weight loss programs are especially useful for busy people who cannot attend in-person appointments.

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4. Meal Plan-Based Programs

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Some people do better when they do not have to guess what to eat. Meal plan-based programs provide menus, grocery lists, recipes, or prepared meals.

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The advantage is simplicity. You know what to buy, what to cook, and how much to eat.

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However, the best meal plans should still teach you how to make your own choices. If you only lose weight while following a strict menu, you may struggle once the plan ends.

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5. Fitness-Focused Weight Loss Programs

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Exercise matters, but it works best when combined with nutrition. The CDC says adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, plus muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days per week.

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A fitness-focused program may include:

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Walking plans
rnStrength training
rnCardio workouts
rnMobility training
rnGroup classes
rnPersonal training
rnProgress tracking

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The best workout is the one you can repeat consistently.

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What to Look for Before Choosing a Program

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Before paying for any weight loss program, look for these signs:

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Realistic Promises

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Be careful with programs that promise huge weight loss in a very short time. Fast results may sound exciting, but extreme methods are often hard to maintain.

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A strong program focuses on steady progress and long-term health.

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Professional Guidance

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A program does not always need to be medical, but it should be based on sound health principles. For people with medical conditions, professional supervision is important.

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Flexible Food Choices

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Avoid plans that label too many foods as “bad.” A good program helps you build balance instead of fear.

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Accountability

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Most people do better when they have support. This can come from a coach, app, group, doctor, or weekly check-in.

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Maintenance Plan

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The real test is not losing weight. It is keeping it off.

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A good program should teach you what to do after you reach your goal.

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Best Foods for a Weight Loss Program

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A healthy weight loss program usually includes foods that keep you full and support stable energy.

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Good choices include:

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Lean protein such as chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, and beans
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rnHealthy fats such as avocado, nuts, olive oil, and seeds
rnLow-calorie, high-volume foods such as salads, soups, berries, and steamed vegetables
rnWater and unsweetened drinks

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Protein and fiber are especially helpful because they can support fullness.

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Foods to Limit During Weight Loss

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You do not have to completely ban foods, but some foods can make weight loss harder when eaten often.

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Limit:

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Sugary drinks
rnLarge portions of fried food
rnHighly processed snacks
rnExcess desserts
rnAlcohol
rnOversized restaurant meals
rnHigh-calorie coffee drinks

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Small changes can make a big difference. Replacing soda with water or reducing late-night snacking may create progress without a complicated diet.

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Exercise and Weight Loss

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Exercise helps burn calories, but it also supports muscle, mood, mobility, and long-term weight maintenance.

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For beginners, walking is one of the easiest starting points. You do not need expensive equipment. You just need consistency.

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A simple weekly plan could look like this:

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Walk 30 minutes, 5 days per week
rnStrength train 2 days per week
rnStretch 5 to 10 minutes after workouts
rnIncrease steps gradually

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Strength training is important because muscle helps your body stay strong as you lose weight.

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Why Many Weight Loss Programs Fail

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Many programs fail because they are too strict.

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People start strong, but after a few weeks, the plan becomes exhausting. They feel hungry, isolated, bored, or frustrated. Eventually, they quit.

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Common reasons weight loss programs fail include:

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The diet is too restrictive
rnThe workouts are too intense
rnThere is no accountability
rnThe plan ignores emotional eating
rnThe program does not fit the person’s schedule
rnProgress expectations are unrealistic
rnThere is no maintenance strategy

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The best plan is not the most extreme plan. It is the plan you can keep doing.

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How Long Does Weight Loss Take?

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Healthy weight loss takes time. Some people lose quickly at first because of water weight. After that, progress may slow.

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That does not mean the program stopped working.

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Weight loss can be affected by:

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Age
rnStarting weight
rnSleep
rnStress
rnMedication
rnHormones
rnActivity level
rnCalorie intake
rnMedical conditions

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Instead of judging success only by the scale, track other wins too.

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Are your clothes fitting better?

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Do you have more energy?

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Are you walking farther?

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Are your cravings improving?

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Are you eating more mindfully?

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Those signs matter.

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Is a Paid Weight Loss Program Worth It?

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A paid program can be worth it if it gives you structure, support, and expert guidance.

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However, expensive does not always mean better. Before paying, check what is included.

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Look for:

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Meal guidance
rnCoaching access
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rnExercise support
rnEducation
rnMaintenance plan
rnClear pricing
rnSafe recommendations

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Avoid programs that push expensive supplements as the main solution.

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Final Thoughts

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The best weight loss program is not the one with the loudest advertising. It is the one that helps you build habits you can keep.

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A strong plan should help you eat better, move more, sleep better, manage stress, and stay accountable. It should also prepare you for life after weight loss.

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The goal is not just to lose pounds. The goal is to build a healthier routine that lasts.

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