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How to Choose a Weight-Control Program

With weight-loss clinics sprouting, seemingly on every street corner, how are consumers supposed to know which one will best serve their interest and health? Here are some guidelines to help you "weigh in" on the right scale and make an intelligent choice.

Is the facility a complete, sound, medical weight-control program or just a place that hands out drugs?

How long has the program been in operation?

Are a variety of treatments offered?

Is a comprehensive medical evaluation required before starting a program?

Is the program individualized to the lifestyle of the patient?

Who actually supervises the program and is this his/her main function or just a sideline?

What are the credentials of the staff?

Are the degrees, if any, from an accredited school, college or university, and are the degrees relevant to the program?

How experienced are the current staff members and personnel?

Are any statistics available regarding short- and long-term results?

Who compiled this data and is it valid?

What kind of a maintenance program is provided?

Is there long-term follow-up on patients? If so, for how long?

If a fasting program is offered, is the M.D. knowledgeable in the metabolism of fasting?

Are any shots or medications used? If so, what and for how long?

Is there qualified medical coverage for patients at night and over weekends and vacations?

Will medical insurance cover any portion of the program?

Legitimate medical weight-loss programs are not cheap. Well-trained doctors, dietitians, psychologists, exercise physiologists and registered nurses provide valuable education and support for those who are entering a program. It is well worth a patient's time to make sure he or she is getting the desired results in a healthy manner over long term.


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Copyright © 1996-2005 Donald S. Robertson M.D, M.Sc.,
All material contained on weight-control.com has been provided by Dr. Robertson
and is the property of Southwest Bariatric Nutrition Center unless otherwise stated.
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Southwest Bariatric Nutrition Center
Scottsdale, Arizona

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