Types of Weight Loss Programs


Note: The following information is reprinted with permission from BestDietForMe.com, a leading weight loss information website operated by Marketdata Enterprises, Tampa, FL

  • Commercial Chains
  • Medically Supervised Programs
  • Self-Help, Do-it-Yourself Weight Loss Programs & Products
  • Internet-Based Weight Loss Programs
  • Celebrity Diets & Diet Bestseller Books (includes infomercials)
  • Health Club-Based Weight Loss Programs
  • Residential Facilities
  • Worksite/Corporate Wellness & Weight Loss Programs
  • Miscellaneous Programs

Commercial Chains

Commercial weight loss programs offer an array of support options and tools. Many of these weight loss programs include weight loss counseling, support groups, diet plans with menus and much more. While commercial weight loss programs offer significant value, they can be rather expensive. Here are some of the leading commercial weight loss programs in our database:

  • Weight Watchers International
  • Jenny Craig
  • Inches-A-Weigh Weight Loss Centers
  • Diet Center (Health Management Group)
  • LA Weight Loss Centers
  • Medifast
  • Metabolic Research Centers
  • Before and After Weight Loss Clinics

Medically Supervised Programs

Medically Supervised Programs is a broad category that describes weight loss programs that are supervised by a heath care professional, such as physicians, a registered dietitian or nutritionist. Some of these weight programs may include healthy diets, prescription drugs, nutritional counseling and even weight loss surgery. Here are some of the leading medically supervised programs in our database:

  • Registered Dietitian plans
  • Nutritionist plans
  • Lindora Medical Clinics
  • Physicians Weight Loss Centers (Health Management Group)
  • Bariatrician program - using very low calorie diets, Rx drugs, counseling, etc.
  • Bariatric surgery (gastric bypass, lapband surgery)
  • Physician plan - using prescription weight loss drugs like Xenical, Meridia, Phentermine
  • Health Management Resources (HMR) (modified liquid fasting plan)
  • Optifast (Novartis) (modified liquid fasting plan)
  • Medibase (modified liquid fasting plan)
  • Medifast (modified fasting plan)
  • Robard Corp. (modified liquid fasting plan)
  • Medical Weight Loss Centers of Michigan
  • Hospital-based programs (not VLCD) (i.e. proprietary program developed by local hospitals, plan based on: counseling by a dietitian, exercise on-site, behavior modification)

Self-Help, Do-it-Yourself Weight Loss Plans

Self-help weight loss programs are an inexpensive way for many to lose weight. These do-it-yourself programs offer retail weight loss meal replacement products including meal replacement shakes, nutrition bars and non-prescription appetite suppressant pills. Here are some of the self-help, do-it-yourself weight loss programs in our database:

  • Slim-Fast
  • Scan Diet

Internet-Based Weight Loss Programs

Internet-based weight loss programs offer the freedom of a self-help weight loss program with more support. Many of these Internet-based weight loss programs send you e-mails, newsletters and online weight loss tips to help you stay on track. Here are some of the Internet-based weight loss programs in our database:

  • NutriSystem
  • Lindora Online
  • ChangeOne.com (from Readers Digest)
  • Weight Watchers Online (WeightWatchers.com)
  • eDiets.com
  • Diet.com
  • CaloriesCount.com
  • WebMD Weight Loss Clinic
  • DietWatch.com
  • Dietsite.com
  • iShape (Shape Magazine plan)
  • Allrecipes.com
  • Before and After Weight Loss Clinics

Celebrity Programs & Diet Bestseller Books (includes infomercials)

Celebrity programs and bestseller diet books are weight loss programs sponsored by high-profile celebrities, physicians and other weight loss professionals. Many of these weight loss experts write diet books that offer valuable weight loss solutions. Other celebrities offer weight loss programs via infomercials. Here are some of the celebrity programs and bestseller diet books in our database:

  • Dr. Atkins
  • Bill Phillips (Body for Life)
  • Richard Simmons
  • Suzanne Somers (Somersizing)
  • The Zone (Barry Sears)
  • The South Beach Diet (Dr. Arthur Agatston)
  • Dr. Dean Ornish
  • Sugar Busters
  • The Blood Type Diet
  • Protein Power (Drs. Eades)
  • Dr. Andrew Weil

Health Club-Based Weight Loss Programs

Health club-based weight loss programs use a combination of exercise, personal training, nutritional counseling, supplements and weight loss support. Many of these weight loss programs include a personal trainer, dietitian and weight loss counselor at an additional price. Here are some of the health club-based weight loss programs in our database:

  • 24 Hour Fitness
  • Bally’s
  • Curves for Women
  • YMCA

Residential Facilities

Residential facilities offer very comprehensive weight loss programs and train you how to prepare healthy diets. They are sometimes called weight loss spas. Many of these weight loss programs offer exercise, behavioral, genetic profiling and nutrition components that are designed to help achieve long-term weight loss success. Here are some of the residential facilities in our database:

  • Duke University Medical Center
  • Hilton Head
  • Pritikin Longevity Center
  • Green Mountain at Fox Run
  • Structure House

Worksite & Corporate Wellness Programs

Worksite/corporate wellness programs offer weight loss at the workplace. Many of these corporate weight loss programs give employees the opportunity to receive wellness advice without having to interfere with employees’ demanding schedules. Here are some of the worksite/corporate wellness programs in our database:

  • Wellness Councils of America
  • Think Light

Miscellaneous Programs

Some weight loss programs are a category of their own. So BestDietForMe.com has created a miscellaneous weight loss program section. Here are some of the unique weight loss programs that we profile in our database, that do not fit into one of the above categories:

  • LEARN Program
  • TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

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