Medical Weight Loss Clinics and What to Look For Before Choosing
Medical weight loss clinics are like everything else; some are effective and worth the money, others aren’t. There are certain components that a good clinic should have, so that you can expect the best possible results for your efforts. Safety is also a concern, as some diets, pills, and programs can put individuals who have health issues at risk. Being overweight isn’t always the result of over-eating; sometimes, it is the result of a medical condition. This is why is important that you find a medical weight loss clinic that closely monitors any medical conditions throughout your progress.
The primary component you should look for is a diet program that is individualized to your needs, and not a one-size-fits-all solution. Make sure the clinic employs doctors, nutritionists, and others who are trained to deal with weight issues. Diet plans should consist of foods you normally purchase at the supermarket, not special “meal plans” as you see with some of the popular diet programs advertised in magazines and on television. The whole point of joining a medical weight loss clinic is so that your health can be monitored while you lose weight, and you can learn how to prepare foods in a way that is healthy, instead of filled with saturated fats.
The first step is usually a consultation; at this time, you will be asked questions regarding your health, eating habits, etc. Most medical weight loss clinics will calculate your BMI, or body mass index, at this time and weigh you for a starting point. Following this consultation, a visit with the physician should be scheduled so that it can be determined you are in good health prior to starting the plan, or the program can be developed in a way that takes any health issues into consideration.
Fitness and exercise will also be an important component of your individualized plan, as no diet works as well without exercise. Physical activity tones muscles and tightens up loose skin, and burns calories so that you lose weight faster. It is also essential to good overall health. Your fitness instructor will devise a fitness plan that is suitable to your health and lifestyle; as you become more fit, the intensity of your workout will likely increase.
Psychological support is also a necessary component of a reputable medical weight loss clinic, as most people have times when it’s hard to keep going and it is tempting to revert to old habits and eating foods that aren’t healthy. Counseling will help you maintain a positive attitude and give you the motivation and support you need to keep working toward a healthier lifestyle.
Last but not least, it is essential that you set goals that are realistic in your efforts to lose weight, and personnel at a medical weight loss clinic will help you accomplish this. In most cases, the best results are achieved when an individual sets goals to lose 2 to 3 pounds per week. In reality, losing weight is all about behavior modification, learning how, what, and when to eat, planning meals with foods from the four food groups, and exercise. It isn’t about magic shakes, pills, supplements, or the latest “fad” diet of celebrities.
When considering medical weight loss clinics, keep the above in mind for the best possible results. It’s also a good idea to get references from past clients of the clinic you are considering, so that you have a good idea of their satisfaction and results.
