We all want to look and feel good, and one of the best ways to do that is by getting to and maintaining a healthy weight. Since everyone’s body works differently, it can be tricky to find a weight loss program that will work for you. Luckily, there is a way to help decipher which plan is best for you if you keep an eye out for a few key factors.

Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight Loss Program

Do you think you need to lose weight? Have you been thinking about trying a weight-loss program? You are not alone. More than 70 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or have obesity —and many of them try to lose the extra pounds through different kinds of weight-loss programs. A number of these programs are advertised in magazines and newspapers, as well as on the radio, TV, and internet. But are they safe? And will they work for you?

Your health care professional may be able to help you make lifestyle changes to reach and maintain a healthy weight. However, if you’re having trouble making these lifestyle changes—or if these changes aren’t enough to help you reach and stay at a healthy weight—you may want to consider a weight-loss program or other types of treatment.

Talking with a healthcare professional about your weight is an important first step. Sometimes, healthcare professionals may not address issues such as healthy eating, physical activity, and weight during general office visits. You may need to raise these issues yourself. If you feel uneasy talking about your weight, bring your questions with you and practice talking about your concerns before your office visit. Aim to work with your healthcare professional to improve your health.

Before your visit with a healthcare professional, think about the following questions: How can I change my eating habits so I can be healthier and reach a healthy weight? How much and what type of physical activity do I think I need to be healthier and reach a healthy weight? Could I benefit from seeing a nutrition professional or weight-loss specialist, or joining a weight-loss program?

To be better prepared for a visit with a healthcare professional write down all of your questions ahead of time, record all of the medicines and dietary supplements you take or bring them with you, write down the types of diets or programs you have tried in the past to lose weight, and bring a pen and paper, smartphone, or other mobile device to read your questions and take notes.

A healthcare professional may review any medical problems you have and medicines you take to see whether they may be affecting your weight or your ability to lose weight. They may ask you about your eating, drinking, and physical activity habits and determine your body mass index (BMI) to see whether you’re overweight or have obesity.

If a healthcare professional says you should lose weight, you may want to ask for a referral to a weight-loss program, dietitian, or weight-loss specialist. If you decide to choose a weight-loss program on your own, consider talking to the healthcare professional about the program before you sign up, especially if you have any health problems.

To reach and stay at a healthy weight over the long term, you must focus on your overall health and lifestyle habits, not just on what you eat. Successful weight-loss programs should promote healthy behaviors that help you lose weight safely, that you can stick with every day, and that help you keep the weight off.Changing your lifestyle isn’t easy, but adopting healthy habits that you don’t give up after a few weeks or months may help you maintain your weight loss.

Source: jesusdaily(.)com
“How To Choose The Perfect Weight Loss Program That Will Work For You” by:Dr. Aaron Tabor MD