Potential Red Flags When Choosing a Weight Loss Program

Losing weight requires a lot of dedication and hard work. The prevalence of overweight and obesity reflects lack of success in our ability to maintain a healthy body weight. According to a research by the National Academy of Science, most dieters regain their pre-dieting weight within 5 years. Without proper research, you are likely to plunk down your money on worthless weight-loss programs. So, how do you know which program will work for you? Let me help you identify potential red flags so that you choose the right weight-loss program.

Red Flag #1. The Program Claims You Can Lose Weight Without Exercising 

Dieting alone does not work if you are looking for long-term weight loss. Recent studies have shown that only 20% of obese people lose their weight and keep it off for five years. A good diet program must incorporate regular exercise to achieve long-term benefits. If your goal is to burn fat and keep your muscle mass, strength training is recommended. The program you choose should combine both cardio and weight training.

Red Flag #2. The Program Contradicts the Generally Accepted Nutrition and Health Guidelines

An overly restrictive diet slows down the rate of metabolism. The negative side effects of dieting include anxiety, depression, and obsessive thoughts about foods. Try to look for a weight-loss program that restricts the intake of processed foods. It should allow eating of primary whole foods in their natural state. Whole foods work well to people with mild and severe obesity. According to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, eating the wrong foods can lead to glucose intolerance.

You should take whole foods rich in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Avoid diet plans that offer less than 1200 calories a day. If you don’t get enough calories, your body might start eating away your muscle tissue. This is likely to endanger your kidneys, liver and the heart.

Red Flag #3. The Program is Not Backed by Scientific Evidence

Does the program promise rapid weight loss in a short time? Obesity is a public health issue and can be a risk factor to several ailments. The cornerstone of maintaining the right weight is diet and exercise. Before you sign up on a program ask yourself: is the program backed by scientific facts? A good program should follow contemporary principles of weight loss. To achieve and maintain a desirable body weight, the program must be backed by scientific studies. Avoid weight-loss programs that are based only on testimonials. Instead, look for programs that explain the science behind their methods. One program that has been clinically proven to be effective is Nutrisystem—here is an informative review of it.

Red Flag #4. The Program is Based on Unrealistic Claims and Magic Ingredients

Have you ever heard of programs that promise rapid weight loss over a very short period of time? Most of these programs are not realistic and cannot deliver long-term weight loss results. In fact, they are not clinically proven to be safe. For instance, some claim to remove fat from certain areas of your body. To identify whether their claims are realistic, check with your healthcare provider. You can go a step further and ask questions to the company. If you are given details that are too good to be true, ask for a proof of the success. Avoid companies that claim their products have magic ingredients. In most cases, the long list of `clinical studies’ is unrealistic. Look for a weight-loss program that promotes sensible weight loss.

Red Flag #5. Lack of Ongoing Support

Losing weight is difficult. Without proper support your hard work and resources can end up going to waste. If there is no support mechanism, ignore the plan. Make sure the program you choose will help you stay motivated as you cope with lifestyle and physical changes. Most companies will offer support programs for free. One of them is BistroMD, a meal delivery diet program created by Dr. Caroline Cederquist. It provides support from doctors, dietitians, and fitness experts—more about it from Fitij.

Red Flag #6. Exaggerated Language

Have you ever seen ads that use impressive words and phrases? The most common ones include; secret formula, first of its kind, breakthrough treatment, exclusive compound among others. This is just a marketing strategy. Weight loss success stories only happen through time tested methods like diet and exercise.

Today, there is so much conflicting advice on weight-loss options. It’s tempting to buy into promises of rapid and dramatic weight loss. If you are thinking about giving a weight-loss program a try, it’s important that you do a little research. The above concerns are meant to bring out ideas on what type of weight-loss program is right for you. In order to achieve your desired results, make sure your weight loss goals are realistic.