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Top 10 Tips for Choosing a Quality Weight Loss Program
Consumers spend billions of dollars each year on weight
loss programs and
products, and yet obesity rates
continue to increase. With so many options available, how can you choose
the right one that will help you lose
weight safely and keep it
off for good? To make it easier, ACE (American Council of Exercise) has
put together a list of key program elements to look for:
Behavior changes. Learning to think in new ways is essential for
long-term success. A reputable program will
help you replace faulty thinking patterns with positive, productive ways of
thinking that support your health
goals.
Safety. A sound weight-loss
program will encourage you to check with your healthcare provider before
you get started. Your provider will evaluate your health
status, order any necessary tests, and offer special precautions as
needed.
Credibility. A quality program will have credentialed providers such
as registered dietitians, certified fitness professionals and health coaches
, psychologists or counselors, and licensed medical professionals such as
physicians and registered nurses.
Flexibility. Programs that demand adherence to a rigid diet or exercise
plan set you up for failure. Look instead for programs that consider
your food and physical activity preferences. For long-term success, you‘ll
need to adopt lifestyle changes you can live with.
 Realistic outcomes. “Lose 20 pounds in 1 week” may catch your
eye, but the truth is that permanent weight
loss happens slowly-at a rate of ½ pound up to a maximum of 2 pounds per
week. Consider it a red flag if a program does not list data regarding
average amount of weight lost and long-term follow-up of participants.
Self-monitoring. Numerous studies have shown that people who
keep track of
their food, exercise, and weight lose significantly more weight than
those who do not. A good program encourages self-monitoring as part of
the weight loss journey.
Sensible nutrition. Avoid programs that eliminate entire food
categories or are too restrictive. Also steer clear of diets that make you
eat foods in special combinations or certain foods in unlimited quantities.
These don’t work and can cause your body to miss out on important nutrients.
Regular exercise. Not only is physical
activity the cornerstone to losing weight and keeping it off, but it
is also an excellent way to improve mood, boost brain power, and
counteract emotional eating. A quality weight loss program should
encourage you to find ways to make physical activity a part of your
everyday life.
Believable claims and no pressure. Walk away from any program
that pressures you to buy special foods, supplements, pills,
or gadgets or promises a quick fix. There are no magic pills to “melt
your fat away.”
Longevity. Perhaps the best question to ask when selecting a
program is, “Could I reasonably make these changes for the rest of my life?”
If the answer is “no,” then keep looking for a more practical program to fit
your needs and preferences.
Source- American Council on Exercise
Dated 21 May 2014
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