Not All Weight Loss Clinics Are Created Equal: Ten Things to Consider

Weight loss is hard work. There are no short cuts or magic pills. Healthy, lasting weight loss is a gradual, long-term process that (in time) empowers you to make healthy changes that will improve your health.

If you’re struggling with excess weight and just can’t keep it off, it might be time to consider a safe, reliable and physician-led weight loss program. With so many weight loss clinics available it’s essential to find one that’s right for you.

Ten things to consider when choosing a weight loss clinic

Here are ten important things a safe and successful weight loss clinic should include:

1. Experienced Staff
   Look for a medical weight loss clinic led by a certified health professional. You should also have access to a team of skilled credentialed specialists (e.g., nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification and weight loss).
2. Realistic Weight Loss Goals
   If the weight loss clinic you’re considering promises instant or rapid weight loss without changing your daily habits, keep looking. The most effective and successful medical weight loss clinics will promote slow and steady weight loss—about one-to-two pounds per week.
3. Regular Exercise
   Regular exercise is the cornerstone of maintaining a healthy weight. Find a weight loss program that encourages you to find more ways to make physical activity a part of your everyday life.
4. Flexibility
   Programs that require adherence to a rigid diet or exercise program set you up for failure. Look for programs that integrate your food and activity preferences. This will make it easier to adopt these lifestyle changes after your treatment ends.
5. Multi-Disciplinary Approach
   Your clinic should include multiple treatment options and a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of your weight gain. It is essential the evaluation involve labs that look for an underlying cause, as well as an evaluation of body fat and muscle percentage.
6. Sensible Nutrition
   Look for medical weight loss clinics that support eating a variety of whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products and lean sources of protein. Weight loss programs that focus on eliminating food categories, or food combinations could set you up for failure.
7. Lifestyle Counselors
   Your clinic should include behavioral training or lifestyle counseling. It is essential to learn how to develop healthier eating and physical activity habits (e.g., keeping food and activity journals), so you can continue your weight loss journey after treatment.
8. Ongoing Clinical Oversight
   Ongoing feedback, monitoring and support are essential. Be sure your clinic offers phone, online and in-person support for maximum access and flexibility.
9. Safety
   Safety should be your clinicians’ utmost concern during your entire weight loss journey. They should require a full medical history so they can take special precautions, if needed, based on your health status. They should also conduct a screening to determine whether you are ready for vigorous exercise.
10. Leading-Edge Services
    Be sure the weight loss clinic you choose offers the latest weight loss services (e.g., B12 injections, lipotropes, and diet pills). Each of these fat-burning techniques can help you effectively lose weight with the help of a skilled medical weight loss specialist.

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