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Before
you sign up for any weight loss program, check it
out!
Some people lose weight on their own; others like
the support of a structured program. Overweight
people who are successful at losing weight, and
keeping it off, can reduce their risk factors for
heart disease. If you decide to join any kind of
weight control program, here are some questions
to ask before you join.
Does the program provide counseling to help you
change your eating activity, and personal habits?
The program should teach you how to change permanently
those eating habits and lifestyle factors, such
as lack of physical activity that have contributed
to weight gain.
Is the staff made up of a variety
of qualified counselors and health professionals
such as nutritionists, registered dietitians, doctors,
nurses, psychologists, and exercise physiologists?
You need to be evaluated by a physician if you have
any health problems, are currently taking any medicine,
or plan on taking any medicine, or plan to lose
more than 15 to 20 pounds. If your weight control
plan uses a very low-calorie diet (a special liquid
formula that replaces all food for 1 to 4 months),
an exam and follow up visits by a doctor are also
needed.
Is training available on how to
deal with times when you may feel stressed and slip
back to old habits?
The program should provide long-term strategies
to deal with weight problems you may have in the
future. These strategies might include things like
setting up a support system and establishing a physical
activity routine.
Is attention paid to keeping the
weight off? How long is this phase?
Choose a program that teaches skills and techniques
to make permanent changes in eating habits and levels
of physical activity to prevent weight gain.
Are food choices flexible and suitable?
Are weight goals set by the client and the health
professional?
The program should consider your food likes and
dislikes and your lifestyle when your weight loss
goals are planned.
Some other questions
to ask before you sign up with a diet program:
- What are the health risks?
- What data can you show me that
prove your program actually works?
- Do customers keep off the weight
after they leave the diet program?
- What are the costs for membership,
weekly fees, food,supplements, maintenance and
counseling?
- What's the payment schedule?
- Are any costs covered under health
insurance?
- Do you give refunds if I drop
out?
- Do you have a maintenance program?
Is it part of the package or does it cost extra?
- What are the program's requirements?
Are there special menus or foods, counseling visits,
or exercise plans?
Adapted
from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
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Other Articles of InterestHealthy
Weight
Selecting a Weight Loss
Program
Guide
to Behavioral Change
No matter
how much weight you have to lose, modest goals
and a slow course will increase your chances of
both losing the weight and keeping it off.
Remember, quick
weight loss methods don't provide lasting results.
Weight loss methods that rely on diet aids like
drinks, prepackaged foods, or diet pills don't work
in the long run. Whether you lose weight on your
own or with a group, remember that the most important
changes are long term.
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