A Responsible and Safe Weight-loss Program

Experts agree that the best way to reach a healthy weight is to follow a sensible eating plan and engage in regular physical activity. Weight-loss programs should encourage healthy behaviors that help you lose weight and that you can maintain over time. Safe and effective weight-loss programs should include:

• Healthy eating plans that reduce calories but do not rule out specific foods or food groups

• Regular physical activity and/or exercise instruction

• Tips on healthy behavior changes that also consider your cultural needs

• Slow and steady weight loss of about � to 2 pounds per week and not more than 3 pounds per week (weight loss may be faster at the start of a program)

• Medical care if you are planning to lose weight by following a special formula diet, such as a very-low-calorie diet

• A plan to keep the weight off after you have lost it

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Ask Questions

Gather as much information as you can before deciding to join a program. Providers of weight-loss programs should be able to answer these questions:

• What does the weight-loss program consist of?

• What are the staff qualifications?

• Does the product or program carry any risks?

• How much does the program costs?

• What results do participants typically have?

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What does the weight-loss program consist of?

• Does the program offer individual counseling and/or group classes?

• Do you have to follow a specific meal plan or keep food records?

• Do you have to purchase special food, drugs, or supplements?

• Does the program encourage you to be physically active, follow a specific physical activity plan, or provide exercise instruction?

• Does the program provide information on how to make positive and healthy behavior changes?

• Is the program sensitive to your lifestyle and cultural needs?

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What are the staff qualifications?

• Who supervises the program?

• What type of weight management training, experience, education, and certifications does the staff have?

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Does the product or program carry any risks?

• Are there risks related to following the program’s eating or exercise plans?

• Are there risks related to using recommended drugs or supplements?

• Do participants talk with a medical professional?

• Does a medical professional oversee the program?

• Will the program providers work with your personal health care provider if you have a medical condition or are taking prescribed medications?

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How much does the program cost?

• What is the total cost of the program?

• Are there recurring costs such as weekly attendance fees, costs of food and supplement purchases, etc?

• Are there additional fees for a follow-up program or to re-enter the program for follow-up after you lose weight?

• Are there additional fees for medical tests?

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What results do participants typically have?

• How much weight does an average participant lose and how long have they kept off all or part of their weight?

• Can the program provide references?

If you are interested in locating a weight-loss program in your area, ask your health care provider for a referral or contact your local hospital. For additional general information, contact:

Weight-control Information Network (WIN)
1 WIN Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
Toll-free: 1-877-9464627
Tel: (202) 828-1025
Fax: (202) 828-1028
E-mail: win@info.niddk.nih.gov
www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/nutrit.htm

These brochures from WIN offer more information on weight-loss programs, healthy eating, and physical activity:

Active at Any Size

Very Low Calorie Diets

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Across Your Lifespan: Better Health and You
(available in English and Spanish)

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Additional Resources

Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Response Center
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580
Local Tel: 202-FTC-HELP (382-4357)
Toll-free: 1-877-382-4357
Web: http://ific.org

Partnership for Healthy Weight Management
Web: www.consumer.gov/weightloss/
For the Partnership for Healthy Weight Management publication
Weight Loss: Finding a Weight Loss Program that Works for You, go to
www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/health/wgtloss.pdf