The weight loss secret of bodybuilders

It's no secret men and women who compete in bodybuilding competitions know how to change their physique.

But it turns out the eating formula they use can also help everyday people lose weight - and it doesn't require drugs or a strict, boring diet.

Weight loss doctor Charlie Seltzer explained it to us. He used to be overweight, but now competes in bodybuilding competitions.

For his clients, he uses the same eating plan he and many other bodybuilders use.

It's known as IIFYM: If It Fits Your Macros.

Macros meaning carbohydrates, fats and protein. For body builders, it's a strict calculation.

But Doctor Seltzer says anyone can get away with just tracking protein and total calories.

"And provided you hit those numbers at the end of the day, things like how often you eat, when you eat or even what you eat aren't important," he said.

For 42-year-old Dawn Salvucci, who was trying to lose eight, Seltzer made little changes to her diet: Lowering her overall calories to 1,200 and upping her protein intake to 50 grams per day.

"They were small enough where I could do it and stick with it. It wasn't a big change where a couple days down the road I was going to say 'Oh, I can't do this,'" she said.

He also gave her a workout program she could do at home.

"The best workout someone can do is the workout they are actually going to do," said Seltzer.

As with any plan to lose weight, you still have to do the work, but Dr. Seltzer says this is the easiest way to make it fit into your lifestyle.

Since Dawn started the program 10 months ago, she's lost 30 pounds

"I feel great. I really do. People tell me all the time how great I look. My daughter tells me how proud she is of me all the time," Dawn said.