Obesity in the United States is a major health issue. More than 70% of adults are overweight. While a lot of them are trying to lose weight, success rates are still very low. If you are looking for a weight loss program there are many options available. With so many options to choose a weight loss program and get even more confused.
All the programs are advertised as miracles but everyone may not work for you. Besides, a lot of them can be very harmful to your body. It’s very important to choose an ideal plan that gives you the desired results without causing any harm.
Consult your health care specialist
If you think you have gained some extra kilos that you want to burn out, you need to talk with a professional first. They would suggest to you what your requirements are according to your body type. They will determine your BMI at first to see if you are overweight or obese. You can also determine your BMI at home.
After it is decided how much weight you need to lose, your doctor may ask you to do a few tests.
Things you should look for in a weight loss program
You can find a lot of programs being advertised on the radio, TV, and internet. But you can’t just choose the first one you see. You have to be mindful of the long term effects it may have. Things you should look for while choosing your program are listed below. You can also look for clinics online by searching weight loss clinic Chicago.
#lifestyle counseling
Losing weight is not just about following a strict diet or engaging in physical activity. One has to feel motivated enough to change their lifestyle. They have to adapt slowly to the new routine. Lifestyle counseling or behavior treatment can teach you how to develop or stick to a healthier diet.
#Believable claims
Some of these plans may claim that following their program can make you lose 5 kilos in a week. But the truth is you can’t lose more than a kilo in a week. To lose weight healthily and maintain that you have to be patient. So, don’t let those tempting claims fool you.
#An inclusive diet
Some diet plans tend to eliminate entire food categories such as carbs. Some are too restrictive or strict. Every category of food has nutritional value. Skipping a certain category of food will make you miss out on those nutrients. Try to follow an all-inclusive diet plan with a controlled portion size.
#Regular exercise
Physical activity is a must for losing weight. It can also boost up your mood and improve blood circulation. Choose a Weight loss program that encourages you to add physical activity to your daily routine. Even after you lose weight you should continue to work out to maintain the weight.
#Trained staff
You should look for clinics that have trained staff. Make sure the people that are guiding you know what they are doing. Check for registered dietitians, certified professionals, and online weight loss coaches.
#Flexibility
Look for programs that consider your food and lifestyle patterns. Your diet plan should be made to cater to your needs. It’s not a “one size fits all” type of thing. For long term success, you should start with what you can live with. Consult the specialists and discuss your needs and preferences.
#Safety
Most of the clinics will encourage you to contact your healthcare provider to check if the plan is okay for you. You may also need to find out if any specific health problems are making it harder for you to lose weight. If you take any medications, you should check if they allow you to make changes to your lifestyle.
#Feedback and monitoring support
A quality weight loss program should stay in touch with their consumers. They may ask you to monitor the changes in your body. Which is known as self-monitoring. You may need to keep a diary to record everything. You should include all your dietary and energy intakes as well as physical activity.
Your dietitian will analyze these records and set some short term goals for you. They may also need to make some changes according to your needs.
#Clarity about costs
This is an important question to ask before you finalize a plan. You have to remember effective weight loss is a slow process, so you may have to stick to this routine for a long time. You should make sure that the costs are clear to you and it fits in your budget. You should ask if they suggest any supplements or recommend any strict diet plans. If they do, check if you can keep up with that.
#Long time effects
Changing your lifestyle and getting used to good habits isn’t an easy task. But once you get used to them you should maintain them forever. When you are looking for plans, look for ones that you think you can follow for the rest of your life.
You can also consider consulting with your specialist to see if it’s okay to make these changes for the rest of your life.
Things to avoid
Studies have shown that a lot of weight loss programs suggest crash diets and harmful pills to lose weight. Which can cause a lot of damage to your metabolic system and make you suffer in the long run. On the other hand, many people don’t get satisfactory results even after following a routine.
Here are a few things you need to avoid when choosing a weight loss program.
#one service that can serve all people
Many programs claim their service can cater to all people. They often bring failure because one service can never work for all types of masses. Instead, look for plans that meet your body’s needs and metabolism.
#Permanent weight-loss claims
Mark these claims as fake. You have to follow a healthy diet and include physical activity in your daily routine to lose weight. Even after you lose weight you have to maintain your good habits to prevent it from coming back.
#Claims that seem too good to be true
You might get tempted to try one of those plans which claim to make you lose “30 pounds in 30 days”. But the truth is you can’t lose any more than 2 pounds in a week. These programs will disturb your digestive system to a great extent.
Recently a lot of celebrities are seen promoting weight loss pills and creams which claim to work without any physical activity. The reality is there are no magical pills to help you lose weight nor can any topical cream help you burn fat. Even if they reduce some of your weight, they are extremely harmful to you. You can check the effects of taking ‘weight loss pills’ online.
To sum up
To choose a weight loss program can sometimes be hard. All these options may confuse you. But if you do your research it will be easier to narrow it down to a few. Then you can choose the one that suits you the most. Remember to take time when you choose because your health comes first.
