7 Things You Need to Know Before Choosing a Weight Loss Clinic

Looking to lose weight? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re looking to lose a few pounds or get your body back in shape after pregnancy, the key to losing weight safely and effectively lies in finding the right clinic to help you. These are7 things before choosing a weight loss clinic.

1) Is It Safe?

Not all weight loss clinics are equal. Some will give you diet advice that goes against professional standards; some will provide counseling or therapy that isn’t always evidence-based; some will pressure you into trying extreme diets or unproven treatments.

•  So it's important to be careful when choosing which clinic to go with—as well as whether or not you should try going in the first place. What follows is a short list of criteria that can help guide your decision: Does it have an accredited program?
•  Does it do its arch? Does it have multiple locations? These questions aren't just for doctors and nurses, either; every person who works for a weight loss clinic should be able to answer them. Don't settle for anything less than real answers from real professionals.

2) Will It Work?

The good news is that yes, eating right and exercising are two things you can do to lose weight. The bad news? We’re not all created equal when it comes to losing weight.

 Not only is weight loss different for each person, but weight loss itself is not necessarily an indication of fitness or health—though there is some correlation between healthy habits and healthy comes.

 If your goal isn't permanent weight loss, you must consider will say about your health risks (like diabetes) before choosing which method is best for you.

3) Will I Get Results?

A good clinic will offer results-oriented health and wellness programs, which are designed to help you meet your goals.

•  And good clinics should measure those results along the way. One effective measurement tool is your weight before and after treatment, which indicates their plan is the producing results.
•  Choose a program that offers multiple measurements throughout your course of treatment to better track progress, like body fat percentage and body mass index (BMI). 
• This can help you avoid quick-fix diets or get-thin-quick schemes that aren’t sustainable in the long run. Weighing yourself regularly at home can also be a useful tool as long as it doesn’t become obsessive or excessive.

4) How Much Will it Cost?

How much weight loss surgery will cost depends on your procedure and where you live. The average gastric bypass costs about $15,000 but can run up to $60,000.

 Gastric sleeve surgery costs about $12,000 and gastric banding is more expensive at around $50,000. Take into account additional fees for aftercare and supplements, too.

5) How Do I Choose The Right weight loss clinic?

There are two main things you need to consider when choosing a weight loss clinic, says Dr. Ashton: The first is whether or not you can afford it. 

• Most programs cost between $6,000 and $8,000 for 28 days, she explains. Then there are travel costs which aren't insignificant if they're overseas. 
• If money isn't an issue, then you need to think about what sort of program you're looking for; whether or not it will help you meet your goal weight; and what is most important in terms of overall patient experience (i.e., small group sessions vs.

6) What If Something Goes Wrong?

The staff of your weight loss clinic should be able to answer any questions you have. They should be available by phone or e-mail during operating hours.

 When you contact the weight loss clinic, do they respond quickly or not? Are they friendly? Do they seem more concerned with sales than answering your questions?

 Keep in mind that when something goes wrong—when something isn’t quite right—you don’t want it to go unnoticed for too long.

7) Where Should I Start?

First, ask yourself: What do I want out of a weight loss clinic? Are you looking for programs for teens or adults? 

• Or do you just need one-on-one counseling? You should also look at what’s available in your area. Do some research on local weight loss clinics; see which ones are covered by insurance, and check out their medical directors. 
• There are so many aspects of choosing a program—location, price, convenience—that it might help to schedule an appointment with a nutritionist or dietitian first.