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 talk to your health care professional about weight loss and get the best information before choosing a program.

If your health care provider tells you that you should lose weight and you want to find a weight loss program to help you, look for one that is based on regular physical activity and an eating plan that is balanced, healthy, and easy to follow.

You may want to talk with your doctor or other health care professional about controlling your weight before you decide on a weight loss program. Even if you feel uncomfortable talking about your weight with your doctor, remember that he or she is there to help you improve your health. Here are some tips:

• Tell your provider that you would like to talk about your weight. Share your concerns about any medical conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
• Write down your questions in advance.
• Bring pen and paper to take notes.
• Bring a friend or family member along for support if this will make you feel more comfortable.
• Make sure you understand what your health care provider is saying. Ask questions if there is something you do not understand.
• Ask for other sources of information like brochures or websites.
• If you want more support, ask for a referral to a registered dietitian, a support group, or a commercial weight loss program.
• Call your provider after your visit if you have more questions or need help.

Find out as much as you can about your health needs before joining a weight loss program . Here are some questions you might want to ask your health care provider:

About Your Weight

• Do I need to lose weight? Or should I just avoid gaining more?
• Is my weight affecting my health?
• Could my excess weight be caused by a medical condition such as hypothyroidism or by a medicine I am taking? (Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, a condition that can slow your metabolism—how your body creates and uses energy.)

• What should my weight loss goal be?
• How will losing weight help me?

• How should I change my eating habits?
• What kinds of physical activity can I do?
• How much physical activity do I need?

• Should I take weight-loss medicine?
• What about weight loss surgery?
• Could a weight loss program help me?

If your health care provider tells you that you should lose weight and you want to find a weight loss program to help you, look for one that is based on regular physical activity and an eating plan that is balanced, healthy, and easy to follow. Weight loss programs should encourage healthy behaviors that help you lose weight and that you can stick with every day. Safe and effective weight loss programs should include:

• Healthy diet plans that reduce calories but do not forbid specific foods or food groups.
• Tips to increase moderate-intensity physical activity.
• Tips on healthy behavior changes that also keep your cultural needs in mind.
• Slow and steady weight loss. Depending on your starting weight, experts recommend losing weight at a rate of 1/2 to 2 lbs 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.

Gather as much information as you can before deciding to join a program. Professionals working for weight loss programs should be able to answer the questions listed below.

What does the weight loss program consist of?

• Does the program offer one-on-one counseling 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 help you be more physically active, follow a specific physical activity plan, or provide exercise instruction?
• Does the program teach you to make positive and healthy behavior changes?
  
• Is the program sensitive to your lifestyle and cultural needs?

• Who supervises the program?
• What type of weight management training, experience, education, and certifications do the staff have?

• Could the program hurt you?
• Could the recommended drugs or supplements harm your health?
• Do participants talk with a doctor?
• Does a doctor run the program?
• Will the program’s doctors work with your personal doctor if you have a medical condition such as high blood presure or are taking prescribed drugs?

• What is the total cost of the program?
• Are there other costs, such as weekly attendance fees, food and supplement purchases, etc.?
• Are there fees for a follow-up program after you lose weight?
• Are there other fees for medical tests?

• How much weight does an average participant lose and how long does he or she keep the weight off?
• Does the program offer publications or materials that describe what results participants typically have?

If you are interested in finding a weight loss program near you, ask your health care provider for a referral or contact your local hospital.

For additional, general information, contact:

Weight-control Information Network

1 WIN WAY
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
Phone: (202) 828-1025
Toll-free number: 1-877-946-4627
FAX: (202) 828-1028
Email: WIN@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/

The Weight-control Information Network (WIN) is a national information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is the Federal Government’s lead agency responsible for biomedical research on nutrition and obesity. Authorized by Congress (Public Law 103-43), WIN provides the general public, health professionals, the media, and Congress with up-to-date, science-based health information on weight control, obesity, physical activity, and related nutritional issues. Publications produced by WIN are reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts. This fact sheet was also reviewed by Susan Z. Yanovski, M.D., Director, Obesity and Eating Disorders Program and Co-Director, Office of Obesity Research, NIDDK.

This publication is not copyrighted. WIN encourages users of this fact sheet to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.

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