How to choose and find programs and services that are
right for you
Though some doctors are in a position to provide
responsible weight-loss treatment, many are not. In most
cases, you and your doctor will need to choose a treatment
service that will offer you the best possible chance of
success.
There are four types of weight-loss services:
• Self-help. This is any effort you make to lose
weight by yourself. For example, you may use weight loss
materials and/or products in your home that you bought or
received from your doctor. These weight-loss materials may
include exercise tapes purchased from a
catalog, diet books, or special foods purchased in
pharmacies, health-food stores, or supermarkets. Avoid
programs that delete any of the major food groups shown in
the Food Guide Pyramid in Appendix I, because dietary
imbalance can cause nutritional problems.
• Non-clinical programs. Non-clinical programs are
weight-loss programs that use one-on-one and/or group
formats. National organizations such as TOPS (Take Off
Pounds Sensibly), OA (Overeaters Anonymous), Diet Workshop,
Jenny Craig, and Weight Watchers offer non-clinical
programs.
• Healthcare professionals. Registered dietitians
(RDs), exercise physiologists with at least a masters degree
in exercise physiology, social workers (MSW or CSW) clinical
psychologists (PhD), some doctors (MD) and weight-loss
specialists often offer individualized weight-loss services.
Some also offer group service.
• Clinical programs. Clinical programs are conducted
in hospitals, clinics, or public health settings and are
supervised by a medical doctor. Surgical programs fall into
this category.
When selecting a program, you and your doctor should
consider these factors:
• Distance/convenience. Select a program close
to home or work. The easier and more convenient it is to get
to the program, the more likely you are to attend.
• Cost. Some programs cost more than others,
and you need to have the money to pay for your program.
Usually, insurance will not cover your costs.
• Time. To succeed at weight loss, you must
make and take the time to:
- Carry out physical activity plans and food
preparation required by your program.
- Attend meetings and follow through with
appointments.
You will need to take time to both lose weight and
maintain your weight loss. Of course, the weight maintenance
phase continues for the rest of your life, so this is a
lifetime commitment.
