How to Choose a Weight Loss Clinic

Celebrity endorsements and amazing promises are tempting lures put out by weight loss clinics. Consider the advertising claims, but look beyond the ads to choose the right weight-loss clinic for you. In addition to investing time and money in the clinic, your physical and mental health are at sake, so take precautions and read a few tips before making the leap to join a program.

Instructions

1

Visit the clinic with no intention of joining. Leave your credit card and checkbook at home so you won't be tempted to sign up on the spot. Clinics employ professional, commissioned salespeople to sell memberships and they know how to find your hot buttons and get you to sign. Instead, look around, take a tour and ask a lot of questions.

2

Check out consumer websites that post comments about local operations. Sometimes a weight-loss company will post comments on their own sites, but many companies only print the favorable reviews.

3

Ask for and call former and current members. Engage them with open-ended questions to get their opinion about the clinic and the people who run it, as well as their success with the program.

4

Look at the different options that each weight loss clinic offers. Decide if you want to buy prepackaged food, cook the food yourself or eat out. Some clinics offer online programs, while others focus on group or counselor meetings. Compare and then pick the weight loss clinic that best fits your lifestyle.

5

Request a sample membership. Often clubs and clinics offer specials fro a week or two to let you try the service and the products they sell. Read the offer to make sure it does not include any clauses that will hold you responsible if you decline to join.

6

Look for a program that offers a thorough follow-up regimen for weight maintenance. Any low-calorie program can help you lose weight, but it's keeping it off long term that is most important.