Risks of Organized Weight Loss Programs

It is necessary for you to explore the risks of weight loss program and then carefully weigh the risks against the benefits. Ask questions to uncover all of the risks so you can make an informed decision.

1. Does the weight loss program carry risks related to the eating plan and/or the fitness plan?

2. If there are nutritional supplements or drugs included with the weight loss program, do they carry any risks?

3. Is there a medical practitioner on staff and is it essential that people who participate in this program talk with this person before they start the plan, as well as throughout the plan? Does a medical practitioner remain an active part of the program?

4. Will the doctor on staff (is there one) work with a participant's medical doctor if that person has a medical problem and/or is taking prescription medication?

Costs Associated with the Weight Loss Program

How much a program is going to cost plays a significant role in the choice of a weight loss plan. Take the time to evaluate each program for its own merit and then do a cost analysis. What can you realistically afford to pay?

1. What is the cost of the weight loss program including tax?

2. Are there costs that occur more than once throughout the program? Examples of this could be the cost of special foods and nutritional supplements, attendance fees and so on.

3. Once the program has been completed are there fees for doing a follow-up?

4. If you must leave the program without finishing it, can you get a percentage of your money back? Do you have preferred status if you enroll again or do you start from scratch and pay the same rate as a new member?

5. If medical tests are an essential component of the program, is the price included in the total or is it extra?

The End Result of the Weight Loss Program

Once you have come to the end of the program, hopefully you will have succeeded in shedding the 10, 20, 30 (or more) pounds that you started the program to lose. It is important from the start to find out the types of results that are typical, based on past participants. This can act as a gauge for what you can expect.

1. On average how much weight can a participant expect to lose on this program? What do the majority of people lose? What is the least a person has lost on the program? What is the most?

2. -Do most participants keep all of the weight off that they have lost or not? What percentage of people repeats the program?

3. Can the staff who works on the program provide references for those contemplating the program?