There’s no shortage of weight loss programs on the market. With the dizzying array of diet advice that’s available, it’s normal to feel confused and overwhelmed.
If you’re struggling to lose weight, you’re not alone. More than 70% of adults have too much body fat, and many of them have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight on their own. Once you make the decision to trim down, you may feel discouraged by the sheer volume of programs to choose from. Many of these programs are advertised on TV and the internet. But are they safe and effective, and will they work for you?
The key to weight loss is the quality of the program you choose. When you’re serious about losing weight, choosing the right program can mean the difference between losing weight and keeping it off, or taking another ride on the yo-yo diet rollercoaster. Read on to learn the characteristics of a safe and effective weight loss program.
Use hindsight
Sometimes looking in your rearview mirror provides the best insight into what works for you. Consider your past experiences with weight loss programs. Think about which aspects of the program you felt worked best. Examine the challenges you faced and recall what kept you from reaching and maintaining your goal on the program.
For instance, did you have problems curbing your appetite? At Doctors First, we understand the challenge of following a reduced-calorie diet. For many patients, we offer FDA-approved weight loss medications to help reign in your appetite and lower your cravings for fatty, sugary, and starchy foods. With your appetite under control, you’ll have a better chance of success.
Sensible guidelines
Counting points and fussing with formulas can make following a weight loss program feel complicated and daunting. By the time you add, subtract, and fiddle with numbers, you’re bound to feel stressed and overwhelmed. Instead of setting yourself up for eventual frustration, choose a program that has sensible, easy-to-follow guidelines. Steering clear of complicated weight loss plans improves your chances of choosing a plan that you’ll stick to.
Permanent changes
Learning new ways of thinking and relating to food is an essential part of successful long-term weight loss. Avoid weight loss programs that promise fast, easy weight loss without changing your habits. Developing healthy habits is the only way to keep the pounds off in the long run.
Balanced nutrition
It’s not uncommon for weight loss programs to have guidelines that involve cutting out entire food groups. Losing weight isn’t just about the number on the scale. It’s about setting yourself up for long-term success, and creating imbalance isn’t the way to get there. Not only is omitting whole food groups unrealistic, it can cause nutritional issues.
Remember, your body needs the right amount of nutrients to support health and weight loss. A quality weight loss plan is balanced and includes enough of the right nutrients for safe and effective weight loss. Here at Doctors First we understand the complex relationship between nutrients and fat loss. After a nutritional evaluation, your provider may recommend vitamin injections to support your body’s natural energy production process.
Realistic goals
The idea of losing 10 pounds in one week may sound appealing, but the truth is long-term weight loss is the result of making consistent changes. Dieters who succeed at losing weight do so gradually. It’s a major red flag if a program boasts unrealistic weight loss results.
Choose a program that makes believable claims and helps you set goals that you can meet and stick with. Keep in mind that individual results may vary, but as long as you put in the work, you’ll reap the weight loss benefits.
Comprehensive care
The team at Doctors First considers other aspects of your health that may impede your weight loss, such as an underlying thyroid disorder or other hormonal imbalance. You’ll receive a basic hormonal evaluation to get a better picture of your metabolic health. Your provider works with you to optimize your hormones so that you’re as healthy as possible as you lose weight.
Support you can count on
Losing a meaningful amount of weight and keeping it off is already hard. Trying to achieve your weight loss goals on your own is even more difficult. Support is a valuable component of any successful weight loss program. When you attend follow-up visits with your provider, you’ll receive encouragement and motivation. Our program supports you throughout your weight loss journey.
Talking to a health care provider is a crucial first step on your weight loss journey. Regardless of how much weight you have to lose, the staff at Doctors First can help you achieve lasting results and long-term wellness through our individualized weight loss programs. Start now by calling our office or using our online booking tool to schedule an appointment.
