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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
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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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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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Does
the product or program carry any risks?
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- Are
there risks related to following the program’s eating or exercise
plans?
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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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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?
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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?
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
These
brochures from WIN offer more information on weight-loss programs, healthy
eating, and physical activity:
Active
at Any Size
Very
Low Calorie Diets
Healthy
Eating and Physical Activity Across Your Lifespan: Better Health and
You
(available in English
and Spanish)
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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
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