Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-Loss Program
Choosing a weight-loss program may be a difficult task. You may not know what to look for in a weight-loss program or what questions to ask. This fact sheet can help you make an informed decision about joining a program.
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 ¾ 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 |
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 cost? |
| What results do participants typically have? |
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? |
What are the staff qualifications?
| Who supervises the program? |
| What type of weight management training, experience, education, and certifications does the staff have? |
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? |
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? |
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.
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: www.consumer.gov/health.htm |
| International Food Information Council Foundation 1100 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 430 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-296-6540 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 |
