A method of losing weight which is effective for, but not limited to, the treatment of obesity in an individual includes administering nutrients high in protein by a combination of enteral feeding and oral feeding over a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period is preferably defined by three consecutive time segments, wherein the conducting of the enteral feeding occurs during the first time segment, preferably by nasogastric intubation and the infusion of a high protein solution. Subsequently and consecutively the oral feeding proceeds over a second time segment and a third time segment, where the nutrients in the second time segment are a combination of a drinkable solution and solid food and the nutrients administered during the third time segment comprise a balanced, low-calorie diet.