Do you need to lose weight? If so, you're not alone. More than half of American adults are overweight or obesem and more than on in three Americans are trying to lose weight.

Perhaps you're planning to try one of the many available weight loss products or services, but aren't sure which one is right for you. It's easy to feel lost in the maze of choices out there �?each promising the best results.

Now there's help in sorting through all these options. The Partnership for Healthy Weight Management encourages providers of weight loss programs to follow Voluntary Guidelines for Providers of Weight Loss Products or Services* to give you basic information about their methods.

The first part of this article describes the type of information participating programs provide and helps you ask the right questions to choose a safe and effective weight loss method. The second part helps you tell whether your weight puts you at risk for health problems.

Weight Loss Programs: Getting the Answers You Need

Before you begin a weight loss program, see your primary health care provider for advice about your overall health risks and the weight loss options best for you. Health experts agree that the best and safest way for most adults to lose weight and improve their health is to modestly cut calories, eat a balanced diet and be physically active each day. Depending on your health and weight, your primary health care provider may recommend additional methods, such as medication or surgery, which carry greater risks. Consider all your choices seriously.

When you start shopping for a weight loss program, ask providers whether they follow the Voluntary Guidelines for Providers of Weight Loss Products or Services from the Partnership for Healthy Weight Management.

Participating programs will answer important questions about how their product or service works, how much it costs, how well it works and any risks involved in following the program.**

Weight Loss Programs: Questions to Ask

Following are some questions to ask when evaluating a weight loss program. Programs that follow the Guidelines should answer these questions:

What's involved in following the program?
Ask for details about what foods and how many calories you’ll eat each day, and whether the program includes regular physical activity. A weight loss program that claims you can lose weight and keep it off without changing the foods you eat or increasing your physical activity is selling a fantasy.

A sensible program encourages you to follow advice from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, such as eating at least five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and choosing grains (including whole grains), lean meats and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
People usually do best when they reduce their usual calorie intake or increase the calories they use by about 500-1000 calories per day. This allows you to eat enough for good nutrition and, if followed daily, helps you lose about 1 to 2 pounds a week. For diets under 1500 calories, be sure to check with your health care provider to make sure you meet all your nutrient needs. Including low-calorie snacks in your meal plan may help prevent you from becoming so hungry that you end up overeating or binging.

What are the staff qualifications
If a program includes assistance from staff members, ask about their training, experience and credentials. Find out what type of attention you’ll receive (for example, individual counseling or group support) and how often.