Weight Loss Nonclinical Program
A weight loss nonclinical program may be commercially operated, such as a privately owned weight-loss chain. You can follow a nonclinical program on your own by using a counselor, book, website, or weight-loss product. You can also join others in a support group, worksite program, or community-based program. Nonclinical weight-loss programs may require you to use the program’s foods or supplements.
a safe and effective weight loss nonclinical program will offer
- Books, pamphlets, and websites that are written or reviewed by a licensed health professional such as a medical doctor (M.D.) or registered dietitian (R.D.).
- Balanced information about following a healthy eating plan and getting regular physical activity.
- Leaders or counselors who show you their training credentials. (Weight loss nonclinical program leaders or counselors may not be licensed health professionals.)
weight loss nonclinical program cautions
- If a program requires you to buy prepackaged meals, find out how much the meals will cost—they may be expensive. Also, eating prepackaged meals does not let you learn the food selection and cooking skills you will need to maintain weight loss over the long term.
- Avoid any diet that suggests you eat a certain formula, food, or combination of foods for easy weight loss. Some of these diets may work in the short term because they are low in calories. But they may not give you all the nutrients your body needs and they do not teach healthy eating habits.
- Avoid programs that do not include a physical activity plan.
- Talk to your health care provider before following a weight loss nonclinical program, using any weight-loss product, such as a supplement, herb, or over-the-counter medication.