- Make sure it is safe. A safe diet should include all of the recommended daily allowances (RDAs) for vitamins, minerals and protein. The weight loss diet should be lower in calories (energy) only, not in essential vitamins or minerals.
- Slow, steady weight loss. The program should be directed toward slow, steady weight loss unless your doctor feels your health condition would benefit from more rapid weight loss.
- Be sure you are provided with a detailed statement of fees and costs of additional items such as dietary supplements or foods.
- Your doctor should evaluate you before you start and you should be examined and monitored by a doctor during the program.
- Include plans for weight maintenance after the weight-loss phase is over because and is not consistently implemented in weight-loss programs.
- The program you select should help you improve your dietary habits, increase your physical activity, and help you change other lifestyle habits that may have contributed to your weight gain in the past.
- To be safe and effective, any weight loss program must address the long-term approach or else the program is largely a waste of money and effort.
