Understanding Weight Loss Groups

Want to lose weight? Join the club. A study recently conducted by researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine found that overweight and obese people who participated in a community-based weight-loss program lost significantly more weight than study participants who attempted to lose weight on their own.

In the study of 292 overweight and obese individuals, 147 followed the Weight Watchers® diet plan, attended group meetings and monitored their progress through the program's mobile apps and online tools. By the end of the six-month study, participants were eight times more likely to lose at least 5% of their body weight than the self-help group. The 5% goal is significant because it is a benchmark for lowered cholesterol levels, better heart health and reduced risk of diabetes for most people.

Weight Watchers isn't the only option—there are paleo, keto, the Mayo Clinic, Mediterranean and DASH diets, to name a few. But which weight-loss program is right for you? The best program is the one that suits your personality, lifestyle and weight-loss goals. Before committing, get acquainted with and compare several programs.

Ask how it works. It seems obvious, but it's easy to get caught up in the hype and overlook the nitty-gritty details. To gain a realistic sense of how the program fits your needs, visit a facility, meet the staff and ask if you can speak to a current or former participant.

Question the claims. Programs that promise you can lose substantially more than a pound or two a week or claim you can lose weight without changing your exercise or eating habits are probably too good to be true.

Shoot for long-term success. Look for a program that balances physical activity with diet and incorporates an eating plan that provides balanced nutrition rather than prohibiting entire types of foods. Learning healthy lifestyle habits from the program helps ensure you not only lose weight but can keep it off once you're on your own. If the program involves prepackaged meal replacements, ask how the program will help you transition back to eating home-cooked meals.

Consider safety. If you have weight-related health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, a medically supervised program can help you lose weight safely. Many programs also include behavioral counseling to help you make the lifestyle adjustments that help ensure long-term success.

According to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 42.4% of American adults are obese. Obesity is associated with several health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancers. Medically supervised weight-loss programs may require a physician referral and may be covered by your health insurance, so ask your doctor if one is right for you.

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