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Choosing a Successful Weight Loss Program
The best way to reach a healthy weight is to follow a sensible
eating plan and engage in regular physical activity.
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Choosing a weight-loss program may be a difficult task. You may
not know what to look for in a weight-loss program or what
questions to ask. This fact sheet can help you make an informed
decision about joining a program.
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A Responsible and Safe Weight-loss Program
Experts agree that the best way to reach a healthy weight is to
follow a sensible eating plan and engage in regular physical
activity. Weight-loss programs should encourage healthy
behaviors that help you lose weight and that you can maintain
over time. Safe and effective weight-loss programs should
include:
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Healthy eating plans that reduce calories but do not rule out
specific foods or food groups |
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Regular physical activity and/or exercise instruction |
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Tips on healthy behavior changes that also consider your
cultural needs |
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Slow and steady weight loss of about ¾ to 2 pounds per week
and not more than 3 pounds per week (weight loss may be faster
at the start of a program) |
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Medical care if you are planning to lose weight by following a
special formula diet, such as a very-low-calorie diet
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A plan to keep the weight off after you have lost it
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Ask
Questions
Gather as much information as you can before deciding to join a
program. Providers of weight-loss programs should be able to
answer these questions:
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What does the weight-loss program consist of? |
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What are the staff qualifications? |
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Does the product or program carry any risks? |
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How much does the program costs? |
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What results do participants typically have? |
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What does the weight-loss program consist of?
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Does the program offer individual counseling and/or group
classes? |
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Do you have to follow a specific meal plan or keep food
records? |
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Do you have to purchase special food, drugs, or supplements?
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Does the program encourage you to be physically active, follow
a specific physical activity plan, or provide exercise
instruction? |
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Does the program provide information on how to make positive
and healthy behavior changes? |
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Is the program sensitive to your lifestyle and cultural needs?
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What are the staff qualifications?
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Who supervises the program? |
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What type of weight management training, experience,
education, and certifications does the staff have? |
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Are there risks related to using recommended drugs or
supplements? |
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Do participants talk with a medical professional? |
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Does a medical professional oversee the program? |
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Will the program providers work with your personal health care
provider if you have a medical condition or are taking
prescribed medications? |
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How much does the program cost?
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What is the total cost of the program? |
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Are there recurring costs such as weekly attendance fees,
costs of food and supplement purchases, etc? |
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Are there additional fees for a follow-up program or to
re-enter the program for follow-up after you lose weight? |
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Are there additional fees for medical tests? |
What results do participants typically have? |
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How much weight does an average participant lose and how
long have they kept off all or part of their weight?
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Can the program provide references?
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If you are interested in locating a weight-loss program in your
area, ask your health care provider for a referral or contact
your local hospital. For additional general information,
contact:
Weight-control Information Network (WIN)
1 WIN Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
Toll-free: 1-877-9464627
Tel: (202) 828-1025
Fax: (202) 828-1028
E-mail:
win@info.niddk.nih.gov
www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/nutrit.htm
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Additional Resources
Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Response Center
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580
Local Tel: 202-FTC-HELP (382-4357)
Toll-free: 1-877-382-4357
Web:
www.consumer.gov/health.htm
International Food Information Council Foundation
1100 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 430
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202-296-6540
Web:
http://ific.org
Partnership for Healthy Weight Management
Web:
www.consumer.gov/weightloss/
For the Partnership for Healthy Weight Management publication
Weight Loss: Finding a Weight Loss Program that Works for
You, go to
www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/health/wgtloss.pdf
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Weight-Control Information Network
1 Win Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
Tel: (202) 828-1025 or 1-877-946-4627
Fax: (202) 828-1028
E-mail:
win@info.niddk.nih.gov
The Weight-control Information Network (WIN) is a national
service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health,
which is the Federal Government’s lead agency responsible for
biomedical research on nutrition and obesity. Authorized by
Congress (Public Law 103-43), WIN provides the general public,
health professionals, the media, and Congress with up-to-date,
science-based health information on weight control, obesity,
physical activity, and related nutritional issues.
WIN answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications,
and works closely with professional and patient organizations
and Government agencies to coordinate resources about weight
control and related issues.
Publications produced by WIN are reviewed by both NIDDK
scientists and outside experts.
This e-text is not copyrighted. WIN encourages users of this
e-pub to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.
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NIH Publication No. 03-3700
April 2003
e-text posted: June 2003 |
Source:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/choose.htm
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