Some people shed weight on their own; others like the help of a organized program. Overweight people who are successful at shedding weight, and keeping it off, can reduce their risk factors for heart disease. If you choose to join any kind of weight-control program, here are a few things to ask before joining:
- Does the plan offer guidance to help you transform your eating behavior and personal lifestyle?
The system should teach you how to change permanently those diet habits and lifestyle factors, such as lack of physical activity, that have contributed to weight gain. - Is the team made up of a variety of qualified counselors and wellness professionals such as nutritionists, registered dietitians, doctors, nurses, psychologists, and exercise physiologists?
You need to be evaluated by a physician if you have any health issues, are currently taking any medication or plan on using any medicine, or plan to shed more than 15 to 20 lbs. If your weight-control strategy utilizes a very low-calorie diet (a special liquid formulation that replaces all food for 1 to 4 months), an examination and follow-up appointments by a physician also are recommended. - Is training offered on how to cope with times when you may feel stressed and slide back to old behaviors?
The program should offer long-term techniques to deal with weight issues you may have in the future. These techniques may include things like setting up a support system and developing a physical exercise routine. - Are food options adaptable and appropriate? Are weight goals set by the individual and the wellness professional?
The regimen ought to consider your food likes and dislikes and your lifestyle when your weight loss targets are planned. - Does the plan offer guidance to help you transform your eating behavior and personal lifestyle?
The system should teach you how to change permanently those diet habits and lifestyle factors, such as lack of physical activity, that have contributed to weight gain. - Is attention paid to keeping the weight off? How long is this phase?
Choose a program that teaches skills and techniques to make long-lasting changes in eating behaviors and levels of physical exercise to avoid weight gain.
There are other questions you could ask about how well a weight loss regimen operates. Because many routines don’t collect this information, you may not get answers. But it’s still crucial to ask them:
- What percentage of individuals complete the program?
- What is the typical weight loss among the people who complete the program?
- What percentage of individuals have issues or side effects? What are they?
- Are there costs or fees for additional products, such as dietary supplements?
Keep in mind, quick weight loss practices don’t provide lasting results. Weight-loss methods that rely on diet aids like beverages, prepackaged meals, or diet pills don’t work in the long run. Whether you shed weight on your own or with a team, keep in mind that the most crucial changes are long term. No matter how much weight you need to drop, modest targets and a gradual course will improve your chances of both shedding the weight and keeping it off.