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The federal government has brought together information on weight loss and dieting
through the National Library of Medicine's National Institutes of Health
at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/weightlossanddieting.html.
For more information, you can also call 1-888-346-3656, or write to National Library
of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894.
If you need to lose weight, talk with your doctor about the options that are best for
you. Most health experts agree that the best and safest way to lose weight is to
modestly cut calories, eat a balanced diet, and exercise. People usually do best
when they reduce their usual calorie intake or increase the calories they use by
500-1,000 per day. This allows you to eat enough for good nutrition yet lose about
one to two pounds a week. Steer clear of harmful tactics such as smoking, fasting,
purging, or abusing laxatives.
To make sure you safely lose pounds and avoid dangerous or expensive scams, ask
these questions:
- How does the product or service work? Does the program emphasize diet, exercise
or a combination of both?
- How much will it cost? Ask for an itemized list that includes membership fees
and fees for weekly visits. Ask if there are extra fees for diagnostic tests,
food, dietary supplements, or other products in the program.
- How well does it work? Ask to see the studies that back up success claims. Look
for how many people completed the program, how much weight they lost, and how
long they kept the weight off.
- What are the risks? Get details about possible side effects. Check with your
doctor before you take prescriptions, over-the-counter weight loss drugs, or
dietary supplements. Diets that require drastic food restriction should be
under the supervision of a physician.
- How many calories will you eat each day? For diets under 1,500 calories, be
sure to check with your doctor to make sure you get all your nutrients.
- What are the staff qualifications? Ask about their training and experience.
- What type of attention will you receive? Will you get individual counseling or
group support? How often?
Complaints concerning fraudulent weight loss claims should be directed to the Federal
Trade Commission.
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Be Informed: Risks of Weight Loss Surgery
Surgical procedures for weight loss should be considered carefully and only
after you and a doctor have looked at all the options. Risks and complications
include bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, infections, marginal ulcers, pulmonary
problems, spleen injury, stenosis, vomiting, dumping syndrome, nutritional
deficiencies, gallstones and even death. It is NOT cosmetic surgery. The
National Institutes of Health has helpful information and has set minimum
requirements for recommending these types of surgery, along with other
important information, at www.nih.gov.
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