Weight Loss Clinic Tips

If you’re like most people, you have tried to lose weight on your own without much success. Now you have decided that a weight loss clinic may be the way to go, but how do you choose which one is right for you? There are many methods used to lose weight, and you may have already tried a few of them. If you have tried some of the trendy diets popular with celebrities, low-carb diets, even fasting or “miracle” diet pills that promised amazing results, you’re likely disappointed. Now that you have decided that a reputable weight loss clinic is the way to go, here are some facts you will find interesting and useful.

Do-it-yourself clinics

In many larger cities you will find a weight loss clinic that is simply a community of like-minded people who all want to lose weight. It is often helpful to meet with others who are trying to reach the same goal as you are – who want to lose weight but are having a difficult time. While there are usually no professional dieticians, nutritionists or doctors in these groups, it can be helpful to have support. Members of the group can share ideas, give each other support and even recommend diet or weight loss books that may offer helpful advice.

Privately owned weight loss clinics

This type of weight loss clinic may or may not be commercial, and are usually chains that offer their own food programs, supplements, etc. Typically, a privately owned clinic will provide books, pamphlets and other media that may be helpful to clients; many also have counselors, but these counselors do not necessarily have training. With these types of clinics there are usually no licensed health care providers such as registered dieticians or physicians to monitor your health and progress.

Professional weight loss clinics

A weight loss clinic that provides services performed by licensed health professionals is usually your best bet, although they can be more costly. Many of these programs are commercially owned and offer nurses, dietitians, doctors and even psychologists so that patients can be educated and monitored in a way that is safe, healthy and helps them achieve their weight loss goals.

In these types of settings patients can be screened for existing health problems so that their plan of treatment can be individualized to their needs. Psychologists often work with those who want to lose weight by focusing on the behaviors that cause the patient to overeat and changing those behaviors. This process is known as behavior change therapy. Many people do not realize that their thought process is just as important in losing weight as diet and exercise.

Clinical programs may offer education on nutritious eating and devise a diet plan that is individualized, also prescribing daily exercise. In most of these types of clinics, the focus is put on a healthy lifestyle, making gradual changes to diet and helping patients to become physically active. However, some also use other methods such as prescription drugs, extremely low-calories diets and other methods for those that are obese. Lap-band or gastric surgery in which a portion of the stomach is removed may be considered for those who are severely overweight.

The most important thing for you to consider is how much weight you want to lose, and whether you believe that the weight loss clinic you are considering is legitimate and can provide you with the assistance you need. Before you make a final decision, visit the facility and ask questions. Ask around town to see if anyone else has used the facility, and if they were happy with the results. When you have tried it on your own and failed, a weight loss clinic just may be the ticket to a slim, healthy body for life.

Mark South
Weight loss Clinic