If your health care provider tells you that you should lose weight
and you want to find a weight-loss program to help you, look for one
that is based on regular physical activity and an eating plan that is
balanced, healthy, and easy to follow. Weight-loss programs should
encourage healthy behaviors that help you lose weight and that you can
stick with every day. Safe and effective weight-loss programs should
include:
- Healthy eating plans that reduce calories but do not forbid specific foods or food groups.
- Tips to increase moderate-intensity physical activity.
- Tips
on healthy habits that also keep your cultural needs in mind, such as
lower-fat versions of your favorite foods.
- Slow
and steady weight loss. Depending on your starting weight, experts
recommend losing weight at a rate of 1/2 to 2 pounds per week. Weight
loss may be faster at the start of a program.
- Medical
care if you are planning to lose weight by following a special formula
diet, such as a very low-calorie diet (a program that requires careful
monitoring from a doctor).
- A plan to keep the weight off after you have lost it.
Get Familiar With the
Program
|
Gather
as much information as you can before deciding to join a program.
Professionals working for weight-loss programs should be able to answer
the questions listed below.
What does the weight-loss program consist of?
- Does the program offer one-on-one counseling or group classes?
- Do you have to follow a specific meal plan or keep food records?
- Do you have to purchase special food, drugs, or supplements?
- If the program requires special foods, can you make changes based on your likes and dislikes and food allergies?
- Does
the program help you be more physically active, follow a specific
physical activity plan, or provide exercise instruction?
- Does the program teach you to make positive and healthy behavior changes?
- Is the program sensitive to your lifestyle and cultural needs?
- Does
the program provide ways to keep the weight off? Will the program
provide ways to deal with such issues as what to eat at social or
holiday gatherings, changes to work schedules, lack of motivation, and
injury or illness?
What are the staff qualifications?
- Who supervises the program?
- What type of weight management training, experience, education, and certifications do the staff have?
Does the product or program carry any risks?
- Could the program hurt you?
- Could the recommended drugs or supplements harm your health?
- Do participants talk with a doctor?
- Does a doctor run the program?
- Will
the program’s doctors work with your personal doctor if you have a
medical condition such as high blood pressure or are taking prescribed
drugs?
- Is there ongoing input and follow-up
from a health care professional to ensure your safety while you
participate in the program?
How much does the program cost?
- What is the total cost of the program?
- Are there other costs, such as weekly attendance fees, food and supplement purchases, etc.?
- Are there fees for a follow-up program after you lose weight?
- Are there other fees for medical tests?
What results do participants typically have?
- How much weight does an average participant lose and how long does he or she keep the weight off?
- Does the program offer publications or materials that describe what results participants typically have?
If you are interested in finding a weight-loss program near you, ask
your health care provider for a referral or contact your local
hospital. For additional, general information, contact the
Weight-control Information Network (WIN).
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Source: Weight-control Information Network, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://win.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm
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Date Added: 2009-03-30 Views : 206
