Ask these questions:
- Is the program physician supervised?
- Do you see the physician weekly?
- Is the physician readily available to talk to you?
- Are the medications prescribed by your primary care physician adjusted, as necessary, as you lose weight and may be no longer be required?
- Are blood pressure and lab tests measured regularly and reviewed with you?
- Are the support groups led by registered dietitians using motivational interviewing technique?
- Are the groups an hour long once weekly?
- Does a certified fitness instructor offer individual instruction?
- Does a registered dietitian, rather than an unlicensed nutritionist, offer individual eating plans?
- Does the program offer a comprehensive, long-term weight maintenance program with the registered dietitian and exercise therapist?
| MEDICAL NUTRITION PROGRAM |
JENNY CRAIG |
NUTRI- SYSTEM |
WEIGHT WATCHERS |
|||||
| PHYSICIAN VISITS EVERY WEEK |
YES | NO | NO | NO | ||||
| REGISTERED DIETITIANS |
YES | NO | NO | NO | ||||
| FOCUS ON EATING BEHAVIORS |
YES | NO | NO | NO | ||||
| CERTIFIED FITNESS SPECIALISTS |
YES | NO | NO | NO | ||||
| LABORATORY MONITORING |
YES | NO | NO | NO |
