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If you’ve tried and failed to manage your weight on your own, you may benefit
from participating in a structured weight management program. There are plenty
of programs to choose from – the challenge is finding one that is safe and will
be successful for you.
Here are some tips that may help you make an informed decision about joining a
weight management program.
Weighing your options
Asking the right questions: a checklist
When to walk away
Weighing your options
Responsible weight management programs will provide you with:
| • | a statement of the approach and goals
of the program
| | • | a brief description of staff
credentials, with detailed information provided on request
| | • | balanced information about following a
healthy eating plan, getting regular physical activity and maintaining a
healthy weight for a lifetime
| | • | information about the success rate of
other participants over a specific time period
| | • | a full disclosure of costs
| | • | a statement of pre-program procedures
that they recommend for their clients (e.g., seeing a physician before
starting the program or being monitored by a physician if you have a chronic
disease, such as hypertension and diabetes)
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Asking the right questions: a checklist
Before starting any weight management program, be sure you ask the following
questions:
What is involved in the program?
| • | Do you have to follow a specific
program?
| | • | Does the program require you to
purchase specific foods, drugs or supplements?
| | • | Does the program offer group counseling
or individual support?
| | • | How often will your progress be
monitored?
| | • | Does the program encourage you to be
physically active?
| | • | Does the program restrict or exclude
any food groups?
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What are the staff qualifications?
| • | What training, experience, education
and certifications does the staff have?
| | • | Who will be supervising your weight
management efforts?
| | • | Is the program supervised by a
qualified medical professional?
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What are the risks of using the weight management product or service?
| • | Are there any side effects or risks
associated with following the weight management program or using the
products or services?
| | • | If you are taking medications or have a
health condition, will the staff work with your physician and follow his/her
advice?
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How much does the program cost?
| • | What is the total cost of the program?
| | • | Are there membership fees, recurring
costs for weekly visits or fees for products, supplements or meal plans?
| | • | Are there additional fees for a
maintenance program, once you’ve reached your weight goal?
| | • | Do you have to sign a contract? Are
refunds available?
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How successful have other people been on this program?
| • | How much weight does the average
participant lose?
| | • | How long have they kept their weight
off?
| | • | Can the program provide references?
| | • | What problems have other participants
encountered in keeping weight off?
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When to walk away
You should not join a program that:
| • | makes you pay up front and doesn't
offer refunds
| | • | guarantees your weight goals
| | • | requires you to eat less than 1,200
calories daily
| | • | can't provide information about their
long-term success rates
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Learn more about Finding your healthy
weight and Healthy weight loss.
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Be sensible about weight loss
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Most people lose weight successfully when they reduce their usual calorie intake
by 500-1000 calories a day.
If you are following a diet less than 1500 calories a week, check with your
doctor.
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The truth about fad diets
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If you’re tempted by the latest fad diet, it’s time to learn more about
why fad diets usually fail.
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