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Nutrition & Fitness
Weight Loss Programs
As far as being safe and successful, almost any of the commercial weight-loss programs can work, but only if they motivate you sufficiently to decrease the amount of calories you eat or increase the amount of calories you burn each day (or both). A responsible and safe weight-loss program should be able to document for you the five following features:
- The diet should be safe, including all of the recommended daily allowances for vitamins, minerals and proteins; and an appropriate number of calories which is not low in essential foodstuffs;
- The program should be directed toward a slow, steady weight loss unless your doctor feels your particular health condition would benefit from more rapid weight loss. Expect to lose only about a pound a week after the first week or two.
- If you plan to lose more than 15-20 pounds, have any health problems, or take medication on a regular basis, your doctor should evaluate you before beginning a weight-loss program. Your physician should also be able to advise you on the need for weight loss, the appropriateness of the program you have in mind, and a sensible weight loss goal for you.
- The program should include plans for weight maintenance after the loss phase is over. It should include help in permanently changing your dietary habits and level of physical activity to alter a lifestyle that may have contributed to weight gain in the past.
- A commercial weight-loss program should provide a detailed statement of fees and costs of additional items such as dietary supplements.
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