Choosing a weight-loss program may be a difficult task. You may not know what to look for in a weight-loss program or what questions to ask. This fact sheet can help you talk to your health care professional about weight loss and get the best information before choosing a program.

If your health care provider tells you that you should lose weight and you want to find a weight-loss program to help you, look for one that is based on regular physical activity and an eating plan that is balanced, healthy, and easy to follow.

• Tell your provider that you would like to talk about your weight. Share your concerns about any medical conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
• Write down your questions in advance.
• Bring pen and paper to take notes.
• Bring a friend or family member along for support if this will make you feel more comfortable.
• Make sure you understand what your health care provider is saying. Ask questions if there is something you do not understand.
• Ask for other sources of information like brochures or websites.
• If you want more support, ask for a referral to a registered dietitian, a support group, or a commercial weight-loss program.
• Call your provider after your visit if you have more questions or need help.

For the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) publication Weight Loss: Finding a Weight Loss Program that Works for You, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/health/wgtloss.pdf..

For the FTC publication Weighing the Evidence in Diet Ads, go to www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/health/evidence.htm.

International Food Information Council Foundation
1100 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 430
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 296-6540
Internet: http://www.ific.org/

Weight-control Information Network

1 WIN WAY
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
Phone: (202) 828-1025
Toll-free number: 1-877-946-4627
FAX: (202) 828-1028
Email: WIN@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/

The Weight-control Information Network (WIN) is a national information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is the Federal Government’s lead agency responsible for biomedical research on nutrition and obesity. Authorized by Congress (Public Law 103-43), WIN provides the general public, health professionals, the media, and Congress with up-to-date, science-based health information on weight control, obesity, physical activity, and related nutritional issues. Publications produced by WIN are reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts. This fact sheet was also reviewed by Susan Z. Yanovski, M.D., Director, Obesity and Eating Disorders Program and Co-Director, Office of Obesity Research, NIDDK.

This publication is not copyrighted. WIN encourages users of this fact sheet to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.