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How do I Choose the Best Weight Loss Center?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

Making the choice to consult a weight loss center is not one that should be made hastily. Weight loss centers that seem to want to avoid giving you the complete cost should definitely be avoided. You should also never sign a contract with any weight loss center until you've had time to read it thoroughly and think about your decision before agreeing to everything in writing. The best weight loss program for someone else may not be the right one for you, so carefully considering the food and exercise requirements is important.

A food plan that is very limiting in its variety or that has too small portion sizes may be difficult for you to stick with. If you've signed an agreement contract for so many packaged meals or to so many weeks of weight loss instruction, you may be out all of the money you paid for the program if you quit. You should take at least a few days to reflect on the aspects of different programs before deciding on a weight loss center that best meets the preferences you have in reducing your fat and calories. It's crucial to choose the plan you think you'll be able to stick with the easiest as any weight loss program can be challenging in some way.

Before joining a weight loss center, find out how much support you will get from counselors.
Before joining a weight loss center, find out how much support you will get from counselors.

You should find out how much support you'll be getting from the weight loss counselors at each center you're considering. If you'll only be checking in with them once a week, this may not be enough for you. If your program fee includes counseling and support, you should make sure you'll be getting your money's worth. Some weight loss centers include group classes and weigh-ins, so you should also think about how you feel about participating in this type of atmosphere that may include being weighed in front of strangers.

Some weight loss centers have group weigh-ins.
Some weight loss centers have group weigh-ins.

When choosing a weight loss center, ask for their typical results. In many cases, weight loss centers use case studies in which a few of their clients lost a large amount of weight. In small print, you may see something like "these results are not typical" if the law requires that the company discloses this information. By asking for the average or typical weight lost by most clients on the center's program, you can get a clearer picture of the expected results.

Ask yourself how much losing weight should cost and ask yourself what you will get for what you are asked to pay.
Ask yourself how much losing weight should cost and ask yourself what you will get for what you are asked to pay.

It's usually best to avoid weight loss centers that focus on limited foods rather than a variety or on herbal supplements rather than real food. Check for any complaints against a weight loss center by contacting an independent consumer advocate group or a regulatory organization such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If you don't understand a weight loss center's contract, you should bring it to a lawyer or legal professional who is able to clarify the content for you.

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    • Before joining a weight loss center, find out how much support you will get from counselors.
      By: Mark Hayes
      Before joining a weight loss center, find out how much support you will get from counselors.
    • Some weight loss centers have group weigh-ins.
      By: sommaiphoto
      Some weight loss centers have group weigh-ins.
    • Ask yourself how much losing weight should cost and ask yourself what you will get for what you are asked to pay.
      By: Lsantilli
      Ask yourself how much losing weight should cost and ask yourself what you will get for what you are asked to pay.