Knowing the best weight loss program
One of the most popular means of losing weight is through a weight loss program. Although many people are living testaments to the wonders of weight loss by enrolling in various weight loss programs, not all of these programs offer certain and desirable results. If you are one of those who are contemplating over weight loss programs, it is a must that you conduct a little research first to help you decide which is the best weight loss program for you.
TO START WITH
Weight loss programs are divided into two types: the clinical and non-clinical. Clinical weight loss programs are usually the services provided in a health-care setting like clinic or hospital. This type of program is also administered by licensed health care professionals like doctors, nurses, dietitians, and psychologists who suggest scientifically-proven weight loss care and treatment.
Services such as physical activity, nutrition education, and behavior change therapy are included in clinical programs. If the patient exceeds the average weight for his/her height or age, weight loss drugs—that should be used as part of the overall program to provide long-term changes in the patient’s eating and physical activity habits—and even surgery are suggested. Surgeries are only prescribed if a person’s body mass index (BMI) is 35 or more and if he/she suffers weight-related health problems like diabetes or heart disease. The most common weight loss surgery performed in this case is gastrointestinal surgery or bariatric surgery. After the operation, many patients lose weight quickly. More often than not, the patients who have lost weight after the operation maintain their weight by having a healthy and balanced diet along with regular set of exercises or physical activities. Although most patients may achieve their desired result after the operation, experts warn that there can be health risks with this procedure such as the reduction of vitamins and minerals needed by the body that can lead to more serious illnesses.
A non-clinical program, on the other hand, usually pertains to commercially-operated ones like a privately owned weight loss chain. Here, patients can follow a non-clinical program on their own with the help of a counselor, a guide book, a website, or even the use of weight-loss products. Non-clinical programs require people to join others in a support group, a worksite program, or community-based projects and may require patients to use the various foods or supplements offered by the program.
Although this type of program is less safe than that of clinical programs, this can be effective and safe to use especially if the information on the book, pamphlet, or websites are written or reviewed by licensed health professionals. If medical doctors or registered dieticians who are authorized to provide balanced information on healthy eating author these information plans and regular physical activities, then there’s no harm if you try it yourself.
Before you engage in any activity or diet provided by a non-clinical program, make sure that you have reviewed its requirements well. Avoid choosing programs that require the purchase of packaged meals because it will not teach you to select food and cook it by yourself. Also, avoid diet plans that suggest food formulas because these don’t teach healthy eating habits. Lastly, you must avoid any program that does not include any physical activity plan because a set of exercise of will help you maintain weight loss brought by cutting out on certain foods. Also, make sure that you have visited a registered or licensed physician first before using any weight loss product offered by the program like food supplements, herbs, or over-the-counter medications.
Here are some things you should consider in order to discover which is the best
weight loss program for you:
- The amount of weight you wish to lose.
- Support you can get from the weight loss program (especially in on line weight loss classes, counseling, chat rooms and the like.)
- The total cost of weight loss program and if it’s all worth it.
- Changes or impact it can create in your lifestyle.
- Reliability of the maintenance program provided and how much.
- Refund policy and issues.
