Being overweight is a risk factor for many chronic diseases
such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and
certain cancers. It also has detrimental effects on
self-esteem and confidence. Because of this, many are
going into weight loss programs. Aside from spending some
amount, your hearlth may also be at risk. Thus, it is
important that you gather as much information as you can
before you start any weight loss plan. Check out the
website link at the end of this article. It contains a lot
of articles about weight reduction and many weight loss
plans. Below are steps you can use as guide in evaluating
the program you may like to use:
1. Check What Weight Loss Programs Are Available.
a. Use the Internet to search for available weight loss
programs.
b. Ask your friends what experiences they had with
whatever weight loss program they have already taken.
c. The FTC has released an 18-page report (Red Flag Bogus
Weight Loss Claims) to help the public identify products
that use fraudulent weight loss claims in their sales
pitch. Below are the seven warnings of the report. Use
this list in discounting programs that have these
characteristics.
i. Products that claim you can lose two or more pounds per
week without dieting and exercise.
ii. Products that claim you can eat whatever you want and
however much you want with no limits.
iii. Products that claim your weight loss will be
permanent even after you stop using the product.
iv. Products that claim they will block absorption of
calories or fat and lead to substantial weight loss.
v. Products that claim you can safely lose more than three
pounds a week for more than four weeks at a time.
vi. Products that claim all users will lose substantial
weight. No product can work for everyone.
vii. Products that are worn on the body or rubbed on the
skin will cause substantial weight loss.
2. Find out about Cost
a. Ask for a detailed price breakdown of the program
including any weekly or annual membership or program fees.
If you are considering a program that provides food, ask
for the average cost for a month's meals as well as
additional food you must buy at the store.
3. Ask About Food and Exercise
a. Determine details about what foods the program uses and
the number of calories you will be eating every day. Ask if
the program encourages increased physical activity or
exercise. Any weight reduction plan that promises
permanent weight loss without changing how you eat or
increasing your physical activity is a scam.
b. A healthy weight-loss program will encourage you to
follow the government's Nutrition Guidelines for Americans,
which includes at least five daily servings of fruits and
vegetables, grains, lean meats and low-fat or non-fat dairy.
4. Ask About the Qualification of Staff
a. Ask if the program includes assistance from staff or
counselors. If it does, be sure to ask about their
training and credentials. Find out what you can expect from
them such as what type of help you'll receive (one-on-one
or group support). Be sure to find out how often
counseling or group support will be provided.
5. Make sure that enough calories are provided
a. Beware of any plan that encourages a drastic decrease
in caloric intake. You will do best when you reduce your
usual calorie intake and/or increase the number of burned
calories by about 500 calories every day. You probably will
not be able to cut or burn more than 1,000 calories a day
than you are used to without feeling weak or overly-hungry.
b. A diet of 1,500 calories or less should be followed
only with the approval of your doctor. No one should follow
a diet containing 1,200 calories or less unless under
medical supervision.
c. A calorie deficit of 500 calories a day allows you to
lose about one pound each week; 1,000 calories cut each day
will lead to a two pound weekly weight loss. Losing more
than two pounds a week is not recommended.
6. Ask About Possible Side Effects
a. Be sure to ask about any potential side effects or
risks that a weight loss plan may pose. Do participants
talk with a medical professional? Does a medical
professional oversee the program? Will the program
providers work with your personal health care provider if
you have a medical condition or are taking prescribed
medications?
b. Check with your doctor before you take weight-loss
pills, even if they are over the counter. Dietary
supplements should also be reviewed with your doctor as
he/she is aware of all medications you take and potential
interactions.
c. Never participate in a weight-loss program that
promotes questionable activities such as fasting, purging,
or over-using laxatives.
d. Consult with your health care professional before you
decide on a weight loss plan.
7. Ask for References
a. Lastly, ask for contact information of three persons
who had already taken the program. Call them up to ask
their experience with the plan. What results did they
have? How much weight did they lose and how long have they
kept off all or part of their weight? Armed with this
information you should be better equipped to avoid anyone
touting empty promises or those that can't sustain long
term results.
Important: Make sure you research on weight loss programs
by reading articles about the subject. The website link
below is a good starting point.
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Larry Argente researches and writes about health issues to
help others live healthier lives. As a first step in your
search for available weight loss programs, head to the
website link below. The website also contains a lot of
informative weight loss articles. =>
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