Step 10: Choosing a weight loss program
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You do not need to join a program to lose weight. However, if you're having trouble losing weight on your own (and many people do), a weight loss program may be helpful. Weight loss programs can have a number of advantages, such as providing peer support, guidance from professionals, and helping you focus on your goals. However, be careful about which program you choose -- some programs promise more than they can deliver.

What to look for in a program

How do you know which group to join? Ask the following questions about any weight loss program that you are considering:

Popular diets

Many popular diets sound very appealing because they tend to offer a "quick fix." Remember that no specific diet is a magic cure. Again, there are two key guidelines in any successful diet program:

Go slow and steady to win the weight loss race.

Develop habits that stick with you for the long term.

Many popular diets are just fads. A fad diet is any gimmick that does not provide the proper balance of nutrients or can only be sustained for a short period of time. In addition, fad diets are NOT based on proven science, even though almost everyone knows someone who did well on a given diet. Beware of claims like "Lose 30 lbs in 30 days!", "Scientific miracle - medical breakthrough!" or "Keep the weight off for good -- just $39.99!" While such statements are tempting and play off your emotions, they are usually made by companies wanting to get rich off your desire to lose weight, so keep them in perspective.

Examples of some popular diets include:

 

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Review Date: 6/28/2011
Reviewed By: Jeffrey Heit, MD, Internist with special emphasis on preventive health, fitness and nutrition, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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