While many people lose weight on their own, some prefer the support of a structured program. If you are looking at weight control programs, here are some questions to ask before you join:
- Does the program provide counseling to help you change your eating activity and personal habits?
- Is the staff made up of a variety of qualified counselors and health professionals such as nutritionists, registered dietitians, nurses, psychologists, doctors, exercise physiologists?
- Is training available for dealing with times when you may feel stressed and slip back into old habits?
- Is there attention paid to keeping the weight off? How long is this phase?
- Are food choices flexible and suitable?
- Are weight goals set by you and the health professional?
Legitimate weight loss programs should teach you how to permanently change those eating habits and lifestyle factors that have contributed to weight gain. It should provide long-term strategies to deal with weight problems you may subsequently have, such as setting up a support system and establishing a physical activity routine.
Next week, we'll look at some other things you should ask about before selecting the program that best meets your needs.
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Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Healthy Weight, Selecting a weight loss program.