Before you start a weight loss program, see your doctor for advice about your overall health risks and the weight loss options best for you. In the mid-1990s, the Federal Trade Commission got together with major weight loss companies to create the Voluntary Guidelines for Providers of Weight Loss Products or Services from the Partnership for Healthy Weight Management. This was a landmark accomplishment, since at that time, the market was rife with lots of hype and unsubstantiated claims, and plain unethical practices. It has improved a lot since then.

Participating programs will answer important questions about how their product of service works, how much it costs, how well it works and any risks involved in following the program. If they don't, hang up the phone or walk out of the center, and save your time and money.

Do the top weight loss programs follow these guidelines and answer your questions?

What's involved in following your 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. People usually do best when they reduce their usual caloric intake by 500-1000 calories per day. This allows for good nutrition and helps you lose a safe 1-2 pounds per week. For diets under 1500 cal., check with your doctor.

What are the risks of using the product or service? Some diets are riskier than others. Ones that require drastic food restriction should be under the supervision of a doctor. Check with your doctor before you take prescription or over-the-counter weight loss drugs or dietary supplements. Mention any side effects you have. And, avoid self-help tactics like smoking, fasting, purging, or abusing laxatives. What percentage of people have problems or side effects? What are they?