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Weight Loss Tip: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Ideal Weight Loss Program
How to measure up weight loss programmes and decide which is right for you
Katie
October 10, 2023
Are you ready to embark on a transformative weight loss journey? Selecting the right weight loss programme is crucial for achieving your goals while prioritising your overall well-being. In this article, we'll explore what to look for in a weight loss programme, focusing on aspects such as mental health support, diet, exercise, and more. Get ready to make informed decisions and embark on a health-conscious and uplifting journey towards your ideal self.
There are many ways to lose weight and there are numerous programmes, courses, events and books helping you to learn about and adopt each possible weight loss method. So how do you decide which is right for you?
The temptation may be to pick a programme that promises that you'll lose the most weight, or that you’ll lose weight in the fastest time, or that you’ll lose weight with the least effort.
We don't recommend you do that. Why? Because many weight loss programmes will say they work fast or will help you lose a lot of weight, or that they’ll be easy. And for some people, they are all those things. But when deciding on the right weight loss programme for you, you need to think more about your needs and goals - and what it is that you specifically will need to lose weight successfully.
Some things to consider…
Ease & Sustainability
Do you have a lot of weight to lose or a little? How long do you think you will need to lose that weight? Do you want to make sure you don't gain weight back after losing it?
Some programmes are for the short term, especially those that are based on restrictive diets. If you have a lot of weight to lose, or enough weight to lose that you'll be losing weight for more than a couple of months, the programme you choose has to be sustainable for the long term.
If so you need to make sure the programme you choose is sustainable for the really long term, or even forever. Choose something you think you’ll be able to do long-term and reject methods that seem hard or unappealing. And of course, avoid programs that promote extreme or fad diets that are difficult to maintain long-term.
Personalisation
We’re all different and what works for some people may not work for others. Indeed, no weight loss method works for everyone - but they all work for some people. Consider whether a weight loss programme is designed for you and your needs, or if it is a one-size-fits-all (or no-one) approach. Programmes that are the same for everyone are less likely to be right for you so you may want to give those programmes a miss.
Health Considerations
Many of us have specific health considerations. Make sure the programme you choose works with your health issues. An obvious example would be fitness - make sure any fitness recommendations are things you can do and won’t put you at risk.
Food Choices
What you like to eat is important. It’s highly likely that to lose weight you will need to change some aspects of what and how you eat. However, that doesn’t mean you need to change everything.
Restricting what you eat is hard. Removing things from your diet that you enjoy makes life difficult and means you crave the things you remove. Consider what you enjoy eating, and consider your food preferences like whether you eat meat. If you are a vegetarian or vegan you won’t do as well on a ketogenic or low-carb diet for example. Consider allergies also. Make sure the weight care programme you choose supports your dietary preferences.
Food Preparation
Don’t just consider what you want to eat, but consider your eating patterns. You may also want to consider eating out, eating at work, and your role in food preparation. Re you the person in the household who makes the food? Do you buy the food? Do you have time to spend on preparing food to support a weight loss programme? Do you enjoy cooking? Or are you someone who wants it all done for them or who won’t have time to spend cooking on a daily basis?
All these factors determine what makes a suitable weight loss programme for you. Some programmes deliver pre-made meals to your door. Others deliver boxes of measured ingredients - all you have to do is cook. Others will give you meal plans and recipes but will leave it up to you, and some will offer no nutritional advice at all.
Medication
Weight loss medication can play an important part in a weight loss programme, and more and more, programmes that used to be stand-alone and without medication, are now starting to include GLP-1 RA (Semaglutide and Liraglutide) injected medications. Additionally, you may also want to consider weight loss pills such as Orlistat. Medication is for people who fit certain criteria, specifying their weight / BMI and health eligibility.
For many people, medication is now starting to accelerate their weight loss. For others, they choose a non-medicated route based on lifestyle changes alone. You may be looking for a non-medicated route, and be offered medication by the plethora of weight loss brands now jumping on the ‘skinny jab’ bandwagon. If you are offered medication when it wasn't what you originally looking for, do your research and make sure you are happy to take the medicated route.
Emotional Support
Mental health plays a significant role in weight loss success. You may want to seek programs that pay attention to emotional well-being and incorporate mindfulness and stress-management techniques. Emotional support and strategies for managing emotional eating can be invaluable components for many people.
Guidance & Coaching
How much guidance do you need? What kind of learner are you? Do you need one-to-one support or can you learn in a hands-off way? You may want to look for programs that provide access to qualified healthcare professionals, such as registered dieticians, nutritionists, and fitness experts, or you may be happy learning alone. Some people like having coaches, others don't want to have to discuss their progress with others.
Exercise
Exercise is a crucial component of weight loss, however, that doesn't necessarily mean you want a programme that includes exercise. You may choose a diet-focused programme, and work on your exercise yourself. If you do select a programme that includes exercise, opt for programs that offer structured exercise plans tailored to your fitness level and preferences. Whether it's strength training, cardio, or yoga, a well-rounded exercise routine can enhance your results.
Accountability
Accountability can really help some people to stay on track. Programmes that provide regular check-ins, support groups, or access to a mentor can help keep you motivated and accountable. Consider whether this is something you need to help you.
Some programmes come with this built-in, and some don’t. You can also look to social media for help with accountability or work directly with a friend or relative.
Healthcare Intervention
Consider what level of healthcare provider intervention you need. Some people need a lot, some don’t want any. It may depend on what type of programme you opt for. Weight loss programmes that include medication should come with checkups and adjustments to ensure you lose weight and stay healthy.
Brand Ethos
A positive and encouraging atmosphere can make your weight loss journey enjoyable and uplifting. Choose programmes that make you feel good about yourself. You’ll know which brands resonate with you and which don’t. We always suggest that you should take weight loss advice from people who’ve lost weight, and not from people who haven't. As you do your research, you’ll get a feel for what feels like the right weight loss brand for you. You’ll know who you want to work with.
Science
Some weight loss programmes are backed by scientific evidence, others may just simply be good advice that’s been tried and tested. If you are considering a new experimental weight-loss method, you may want to read the small print about the science. What evidence is there that it works? How many people say it worked for them? Does it sound sensible to you?
Data
Data might not be something you think about when choosing a weight loss programme, but perhaps it should be. Your data is valuable, and your weight, health and lifestyle data is deeply personal.
Weight loss programs often collect a significant amount of personal data, including your name, contact information, health history, dietary preferences, and sometimes even sensitive health information. A comprehensive data privacy policy outlines how this information is collected, stored, used, and protected. By understanding the policy, you can ensure that your personal data is handled responsibly and securely.
Price
Price is a key factor in deciding whether or not to buy a weight loss programme. Many operate on a subscription model where you pay each month to access content or functionality. When considering the price make sure the programme is upfront about costs, and is transparent. Programmes that won't tell you how much they cost until you've handed over your data ring alarm bells for us.
Make sure you are happy to pay the price long term, as it's likely you will need support with your weight journey for at least several months, if not longer. Cheaper programmes are not necessarily better, similarly, more expensive weight loss programmes may not offer you much more than cheaper options. Do your homework and make sure you're comfortable with costs.
Customer Service
Many people use weight loss programmes very happily and don’t need to contact customer support. But if you do have an issue with billing or access, you’ll want to know there’s a human who can help you. Check that there's a support email address or similar.
Reviews and Ratings
How other people feel about a programme is often very helpful in helping you shape your feelings. That said, people often review things when they’re either really happy or really unhappy, You often don’t find many reviews in the middle. Reviews online can also be fake or bought. While reviews may give you an idea of what people think, we advise taking them with a pinch of salt.
Choosing the right weight loss program is a significant decision on your path to a healthier you. By considering the factors we mentioned above, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and ensures your physical and mental well-being are both prioritised. Remember, your journey should be positive, motivating, and sustainable, leading to long-term success.
And finally, the too-good-to-be-true Weight Loss Scams
None of us believes we can fall for a scam, yet criminals prey on unsuspecting consumers all the time. When you’re researching ways to lose weight you may come across scams on social media and elsewhere. If it feels too good to be true it usually is. Be careful before you hand over your credit card details and if you are unsure, check out this article on how to avoid weight loss scams.
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