Looking for the Best
Weight Loss Programs: Getting the Answers You Need
Before you begin a weight loss program, see your
primary health care provider for advice about your overall health risks
and the weight loss options best for you.
Health experts agree that the best and
safest way for most adults to lose weight and improve their health is to
modestly cut calories, eat a balanced diet and be physically active each
day. Depending on your health and weight, your primary health care
provider may recommend additional methods, such as medication or
surgery, which carry greater risks. Consider all your choices seriously. |
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What's involved in
following the weight loss program?
Ask for details about what foods and
how many calories you'll eat each day, and whether the program includes
regular physical activity. A weight loss program that claims you can
lose weight and keep it off without changing the foods you eat or
increasing your physical activity is selling a fantasy.
About Symptoms
A sensible program encourages you to follow advice from the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans, such as eating at least five daily servings of
fruits and vegetables, and choosing grains (including whole grains),
lean meats and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
People usually do best when they reduce their usual calorie intake or
increase the calories they use by about 500-1000 calories per day. This
allows you to eat enough for good nutrition and, if followed daily,
helps you lose about 1 to 2 pounds a week. For diets under 1500
calories, be sure to check with your health care provider to make sure
you meet all your nutrient needs. Including low-calorie snacks in your
meal plan may help prevent you from becoming so hungry that you end up
overeating or binging.
What are the staff qualifications?
If a program includes assistance from staff members, ask about their
training, experience and credentials. Find out what type of attention
you'll receive (for example, individual counseling or group support) and
how often.
Before signing up for
any weight loss program - check the facts.
What's are the risks of using the
product or services?
Some methods for losing weight are riskier than others. Diets that
require drastic food restriction should be under the supervision of a
physician. Get details about side effects or risks that can occur from
using the product or service. Check with your primary health care
provider before you take prescription or over-the-counter weight loss
drugs or other products that are part of the weight loss program. Steer
clear of harmful "self help" weight loss tactics, such as smoking,
fasting, purging, or abusing laxatives.
What are all the costs of this weight-loss program?
Ask for an itemized price list that includes membership fees, fee for
weekly visits, and costs for items such as diagnostic tests, food meal
replacements, dietary supplements, or other products in the program.
How can I improve my chances for keeping the weight off?
The Guidelines require participating programs to give you information
about difficulties that many dieters experience with keeping weight off
and how you can increase your odds for success.
How successful are other people who follow this program?
Ask whether the program can provide studies that document its success.
If so, ask what percentage of all customers have completed the program,
how much weight they lost, and how successfully they've kept the weight
off over a one-year period or longer. Although the Guidelines do not
require providers to disclose detailed program results, providers may
give you some of this information. Remember, information based on only
some of the people in the program probably reflects those most
successful at meeting their weight loss and maintenance goals.
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