Weight Loss

Too many adults are overweight or obese and recent studies show that more
than one in three Americans are trying to lose weight.
Perhaps you’re planning to try one of the many available weight loss
products or services, but aren’t sure which one is right for you. It’s easy to
feel lost in the maze of choices out there — each promising the best results.
Now there’s help in sorting through all these options. Within this eBook are
simple and easy follow Guidelines for Weight Loss. As well as Tips and
Guidance in choosing the right weight loss Products or Services* that are right for
you.
The first part of this eBook describes the type of information participating
programs provide and helps you ask the right questions so that you can choose a
safe and effective weight loss method. Then we will begin to look at simple ways
you can implement weight loss strategies into your life.

Looking for the Best Weight Loss Programs: Getting the Answers You Need
Before you begin a weight loss program, see your primary health care provider
for advice about your overall health risks and the weight loss options best for
you. Health experts agree that the best and safest way for most adults to lose
weight and improve their health is to modestly cut calories, eat a balanced diet
and be physically active each day. Depending on your health and weight, your
primary health care provider may recommend additional methods, such as
medication or surgery, which carry greater risks. Consider all your choices
seriously.
When you start shopping for a weight loss program, ask providers whether they
follow the Voluntary Guidelines for Providers of Weight Loss Products or
Services from the Partnership for Healthy Weight Management.

If a program provider doesn’t know about the Guidelines, suggest they contact
the Partnership at the Federal Trade Commission.
Participating programs will answer important questions about how their product
or service works, how much it costs, how well it works and any risks involved in
following the program.** Use this chart as a discussion guide when speaking with
representatives from weight loss programs, to find whether or not they follow the
Guidelines.

What’s involved in following the program?

Ask for details about what foods and how many calories you’ll eat each day, and
whether the program includes regular physical activity. A weight loss program
that claims you can lose weight and keep it off without changing the foods you
eat or increasing your physical activity is selling a fantasy.
A sensible program encourages you to follow advice from the Dietary Guidelines
for Americans, such as eating at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables,
and choosing grains (including whole grains), lean meats and low-fat or fat-free
dairy products.
People usually do best when they reduce their usual calorie intake or increase
the calories they use by about 500-1000 calories per day. This allows you to eat
enough for good nutrition and, if followed daily, helps you lose about 1 to 2
pounds a week. For diets under 1500 calories, be sure to check with your health
care provider to make sure you meet all your nutrient needs. Including low-
calorie snacks in your meal plan may help prevent you from becoming so hungry
that you end up overeating or binging .

What are the staff qualifications?

If a program includes assistance from staff members, ask about their training,
experience and credentials. Find out what type of attention you’ll receive (for
example, individual counseling or group support) and how often.

What are the risks of using the product or services?

Some methods for losing weight are riskier than others. Diets that require drastic
food restriction should be under the supervision of a physician. Get details about
side effects or risks that can occur from using the product or service. Check with
your primary health care provider before you take prescription or over-the-
counter weight loss drugs or other products that are part of the weight loss

program. Steer clear of harmful “self help” weight loss tactics, such as smoking,
fasting, purging, or abusing laxatives.

How can I improve my chances for keeping the weight off?

The Guidelines require participating programs to give you information about
difficulties that many dieters experience with keeping weight off and how you can
increase your odds for success.

How successful are other people who follow this program?

Ask whether the program can provide studies that document its success. If so,
ask what percentages of all customers have completed the program, how much
weight they lost, and how successfully they’ve kept the weight off over a one-year
period or longer. Although the Guidelines do not require providers to disclose
detailed program results, providers may give you some of this information.
Remember, information based on only some of the people in the program
probably reflects those most successful at meeting their weight loss and
maintenance goals.

What If a Provider Claims to Follow the Guidelines,

But Won’t Answer My Questions?

No law requires providers of weight loss products or services to give you the
information the Guidelines call for. However, a provider that claims to follow the
Guidelines must give you all required information and it must be truthful and
accurate.