Dr. Marc Sorenson knows what he’s talking about when it comes to diets. At his organization, the National Institute of Fitness, more than 90 tons of body fat have been lost. That’s enough to fill 20 large dump trucks!
Here are some questions Dr. Sorenson says to ask before you rush into a costly commitment to a diet or nutrition program:
• Have you discussed your diet and nutrition programs with your physician or a registered dietitian?
• Will your health insurance cover a diet or nutrition program prescribed by your physician?
• What is the recommended calorie level of the program? (Remember, fewer than 1,000 calories a day may be medically risky.)
• How will the program help you maintain your weight loss if you’re successful?
• Are detailed descriptions of the programs and their costs readily available?
• Are required foods available from supermarkets?
Foods that are very esoteric, expensive, sold only by program, or foods that are hard to find, don’t encourage practical habits.
• Are certain tonics, vitamins, minerals, herbs, drugs, or other supplements required?
Often these aren’t necessary for safe weight loss. Some programs make huge profits on these.
• What examinations, tests, or assessments will be undertaken?
A blood test, nutritional assessment, and test of body fat are routine. Tests such as hair, enzyme, and nail analyses, or even liver-cell testing to show vitamin and mineral deficiencies are often performed to create a need for products.
• What are the staff’s qualifications?
In selecting a healthy diet, good sources for help are your state dietetic association, public health departments and medical associations such as the American Health Association or the American Diabetes Association. Hospital nutrition outpatient clinics are also helpful.
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