While some prefer to lose weight on their own, others like having the support of a weight loss program with structure and assistance. Those who are overweight can reduce the risk of heart disease by successfully losing weight and keeping it off. But before you sign onto a weight loss program, there are some questions that are important to ask before making that commitment.
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Does the program provide counseling to help you change your eating activity and personal habits?
Any weight loss program should assist you in learning how to permanently transform your eating habits and general lifestyle.
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Is the staff made up of a variety of qualified counselors and health professionals such as nutritionists, registered dietitians, doctors, nurses, psychologists, and exercise physiologists?
An important aspect of weight loss is your overall health. It is important to be evaluated by a physician when beginning your weight loss journey. This will help you discover any possible physical restrictions or health issues. In a good weight loss program, it will be important to have many different healthcare professionals on staff to be available for any issues you may run into. These include a general physician, nutritionist, psychologist, dietitians, and more. In addition, these health care professionals can help you create a custom weight loss plan to target your specific goals as well as working around any restrictions you may have.
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Is training available on how to deal with times when you may feel stressed and slip back to old habits?
The weight loss program should come with training on long-term solutions to combat bad habits and cravings. These strategies may include having a solid support system or healthy alternatives to help you stick to your new lifestyle.
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Is attention paid to keeping the weight off? How long is this phase?
Once you have lost weight, you cannot just go back to your old diets and habits. Weight loss is an entire lifestyle change, and without that permanent change, you can find yourself gaining that weight right back.
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Are food choices flexible and suitable? Are weight goals set by the client and the health professional?
The program you select should work around any food restrictions as well as personal taste and current lifestyle. You cannot succeed in a program that is set up against you from the beginning.
In addition to these questions, other questions you can ask include:
- What percentage of people complete the program?
- What is the average weight loss among people who finish the program?
- What percentage of people have problems or side effects? What are they?
- Are there fees or costs for additional items, such as dietary supplements?
It is crucial to remember that weight loss methods do not provide lasting results. Diet aids like drinks, prepackaged foods, or diet pills don’t work in the long run. Whether your journey is a solo adventure, or if you are working towards weight loss as a group, it is important to remember that these changes are long-term and permanent. Modest goals and slow course weight loss will increase your chances of shedding those pounds and keeping them off.
If you are ready to start a weight loss program today, Options Medical Weight Loss in St. Petersburg FL is here to help you take your first steps towards a healthier and happier lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.