Weight Loss Program

Weight Loss Program, Non Surgical Weight Loss, Obesity Program, Losing Weight

Weight Loss Program Abroad

If your health care professional told you that you need to lose weight, you may want to ask for a referral to a weight-loss program, dietitian, or weight-loss specialist. You can also look for a weight-loss program on your own, but make sure you first consider talking with the health care professional about the program before you sign up, especially if you have any health problems. If you plan to lose more than 15 to 20 pounds, have any health problems, or take medication on a regular basis, talk to your doctor before you start any weight loss program.

When you're looking for a weight loss program, it's wise to look for one that will meet your needs and set you up for long-term success. In general, look for thsoe that focus on steady weight loss -- about 1-2 pounds a week.

Questions to ask before choosing a weight loss program

Here are some questions that you should ask before choosing such a program, to make sure that you have found the right one for you.

Does the staff include qualified counselors and health professionals such as registered dietitians, doctors, and exercise physiologists?
How limited are the food choices?
Who sets your weight loss goal: me or someone else?
What percentage of people complete the program?
What is the average weight loss among people who finish the program and at one year?
What is a healthy weight or BMI for me?
Will losing weight improve my general health, as well as specific health problems I have?
Could any of my medical conditions or medications be causing weight gain or making it harder for me to lose weight?
Are there any types or amounts of physical activity I should not do because of my health?
What percentage of people have problems or side effects? What are those problems?
Is there a maintenance program to help keep the weight off once I lose it?
What is the total cost, including any foods or supplements that are required?

What should you look for in a weight-loss program?

To reach and stay at a healthy weight over the long term, you must focus on your overall health and lifestyle habits, not just on what you eat. Successful weight-loss programs should promote healthy behaviors that help you lose weight safely, that you can stick with every day, and that help you keep the weight off.

Safe and successful weight-loss programs should include:

behavioral treatment, also known as lifestyle counseling, that can teach you how to develop and stick to healthier eating and physical activity habits, such as keeping food and activity records or journals
information about getting enough sleep, managing stress, and the benefits and drawbacks of weight-loss medicines
a plan for keeping the weight off, including goal setting, self-checks such as keeping a food journal, and counseling support
ongoing feedback, monitoring, and support throughout the program, either in person, by phone, online, or through a combination of these approaches
slow and steady weight-loss goals—usually 1 to 2 pounds per week (though weight loss may be faster at the start of a program)

The best weight-loss programs usually provide 14 sessions or more of behavioral treatment over at least 6 months—and are led by trained staff. Some weight-loss programs use very low-calorie diets to promote quick weight loss—3 or more pounds a week for several weeks—in people with a lot of excess weight. You should be monitored closely by a health care professional if you are on a very low-calorie diet that provides 800 calories a day or less.

For people who are overweight or have obesity, experts recommend a beginning weight-loss goal of 5 to 10% of your starting weight within 6 months. If you weigh 200 pounds, that would amount to a loss of 10 pounds, which is 5%t of starting weight, to 20 pounds, which is 10% of starting weight, in 6 months.

Changing your lifestyle isn’t easy, but adopting healthy habits that you don’t give up after a few weeks or months may help you maintain your weight loss.