How to Choose the Best Weight Loss Programs

Before choosing a weight loss program, consider a few key factors. Weight loss success is linked to the adherence to the program and its regimen. There are several popular weight loss programs to choose from, such as WW, Atkins, Zone, and Ornish. Generally, weight loss results are associated with active engagement and diet tracking. If you can’t follow a strict diet plan, try downloading an app to monitor your calories.

Among the most popular programs, the Forward Medical Center offers an exclusive, 12-week weight-loss program supervised by doctors and nutritionists. The program starts with a comprehensive body health analysis, which includes genetic testing to identify specific risks for obesity and sensitivity to certain medications. Once enrolled, patients can track their progress, reach out to their Care Team, and access educational and motivational resources. For the price of a few visits with a physician, participants can benefit from unlimited access to the program. Personalized insights and real-time results are some of the other perks of this program.

In addition to individualized attention, weight loss programs should provide a framework for success, and include accountability, support, and motivation. It’s crucial to track progress in order to achieve your weight loss goal. Tracking your weight and exercising regularly can help you make adjustments when necessary. While many commercial weight loss programs cost hundreds of dollars a month, you can find a free app or a simple piece of paper to use for keeping track of your progress.

Nutrisystem’s nutritionally balanced menu teaches its members how to incorporate healthy food into their daily meals. Dieters are instructed to avoid high glycemic index (GI) foods and alcohol. The company recommends three meals a day, two snacks, and a dessert snack. Nutrisystem is convenient, but it is also costly, and the plan requires a lot of grocery shopping. And while the meals are prepackaged and convenient, Nutrisystem requires a lot of food preparation and calorie-counting.

Another weight loss program, Jenny Craig’s Rapid Results, leverages research on the circadian rhythm. This research was recently recognized with the Nobel Prize for Physiology/Medicine. The Rapid Results program allows members to lose up to 16 pounds in the first four weeks. The average loss per member on the program was 11.6 pounds. The program offers a full support system. And you’ll have an online community to support you along the way.

Optavia is another one of these done-for-you weight loss programs. Optavia is a good option if you have the time and money to devote to a strict diet and lifestyle change. It costs $400 a month for the program and offers a full nutrition support team. It’s an expensive option, so you’ll need to decide if it’s the right one for you. But it might be worth your while if you can afford it. For example, Jenny Craig costs even more than Optavia.

WW has been in business for decades and is one of the most popular weight loss programs around. Their emphasis on education and nutrition has made it one of the most popular weight loss plans. For its part, WW’s Complete Weight Loss Plan also includes vegetarian and plant-based diet plans. Weight Watchers has three types of membership plans to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The Complete Weight Loss Plan is the most expensive, but it offers a variety of benefits, including coaching and a registered dietitian.