I am a person who has had problems with my weight since I turned forty years of age. Who ever said that life begins at forty, has not witnessed my struggles. So I am a firm believer in a regimented and structured weight loss program. I would like to review three popular programs and talk about their philosophies, programs and fees. The three centers I want to compare are:
1) LA Weight Loss
2) Jenny Craig
3) Physicians Weight Loss Centers
L A WEIGHT LOSS
(www.laweightloss.com)
LA Weight Loss is a system that has helped millions of people lose weight quickly without giving up foods they normally eat. You get a plan that is “personalized ” for you and is designed to lose the weight and then keep the weight off. They do “encourage” their prepared meals as an option to replace every day food.
The program involves a private meeting where you are encouraged and motivated to follow the plan and a healthy menu that will be customized just for you. They say it is successful because of recognizing that everyone is different. They report that two million clients worldwide have reached their weight loss goals. Every week you meet with a LA Weight Loss counselor who will coach you on your progress or lack of progress. They will assist you with portion control and educate you on becoming more active while losing weight each week until you reach your goal weight.
“All clients receive a personalized program that includes satisfying and well-balanced real foods, customized menu plans and one-on-one counseling. It’s this winning combination that has brought positive results to so many while making LA Weight Loss one of the industry’s leading authorities on successful weight loss outcomes.” (LA Weight Loss web page).1
They appear to be vague about program fees and costs. To quote the FAQ page answer on the LA Weight Loss web page, under The LA Program…”Your total cost is determined by a number of factors: a) there are several basic program packages designed to fit into your budget as well as a number of finance options; b) how much weight you want to lose; and c) your personal profile plays a key role in which program, menu plan, etc., is right for you. Some centers even offer trial programs. You can obtain the most accurate price by scheduling a free consultation with an LA Weight Loss counselor at your local center. It takes only 20 minutes and there’s no obligation. Working together, you’ll be able to determine the precise cost of your program.”
JENNY CRAIG
(www.jennycraig.com)
The core concepts of Jenny Craig’s weight loss program is simplified to a three pronged approach. They start with food. They control your diet with their food. You must buy their pre -portioned and prepared food for three meals a day and one snack. This gets you used to portion control and healthy eating. Next they state the body is included. They gradually increase your activity based on your level of fitness and life style. Finally, your mind gets to participate in their program because their counselors motivate and teach you balance in your life.2
The first step of any Jenny Craig Program is to meet with a Program Director . This can be done in person at a center or over the phone with Jenny Direct. They will utilize a tool referred to as the “Your Style” profile. It takes into account your starting weight, measurements, eating habits, exercise level and your weight loss goal.
“Delicious gourmet quality Jenny Craig entrees and snacks are the perfect introduction to your new healthier lifestyle. You’ll enjoy three Jenny’s Cuisine™ meals and one snack every day, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Your Jenny’s Cuisine™ is a model for balance, variety and moderation, and it’s an essential part of your menu while on the Jenny Craig Program. From the first day, your menu will feature a healthy balance between Jenny’s Cuisine™ and your own grocery foods – like fruit, vegetables, low fat dairy, whole grains and heart-healthy fats. Moderate physical activity is an important element of healthy living and weight management and your personal Consultant will help you develop an active lifestyle you can enjoy and maintain.” This quote is directly from the home web page under Jenny Craig – “Introducing Your New Healthier Lifestyle“.
A consultant then meets you each week in private and reviews the results of your plan. They will motivate you to make the necessary changes. The first four weeks, one topic at a time is discussed. They are food, body or mind. Then,on week 5 you’ll get an intermediate check up, recognize the progress and establish new goals.
Again, the cost of the program is vague. The cost of Jenny Craig depends on several things ; such as which plan you choose, which menu items you select, and so on. They have a short term plan and longer term plans, so you will have to choose which plan will work best. And remember, you still have to buy their food. Jenny Craig claims that their meals and snack only cost one dollar more than the average person spends on regular food.3
PHYSICIAN WEIGHT LOSS
www.pwlc.com/temps/about/letter.cfm
With Physicians Weight Loss Centers, they have developed a comprehensive approach to weight management. Every client at Physicians Weight Loss Center receives a personalized Consultation/Review to decide which program is best their lifestyle. And everyone at Physicians Weight Loss Center receives a personal weight loss plan. There is a choice of six plans that are designed to attack your weight loss goals and range from very selective to moderately selective. Their flexible meal plans give you choices so that you can manage your diet with ease. Dining out and special events are integrated into these plans so that they are easy to implement when the need arises. I like that they take an initial blood work screen and send the samples to a hospital to evaluate the beginning levels of all the essentials as well as determine if you are in a healthy enough state of being to under go your life style transformation.4
In addition, they have developed 150 highly specialized food, nutrition and weight loss supplements to help aid your weight loss. They have behavioral guidance classes in the licensed centers and informational cassettes available through the online diet store if you need extra motivation to think thin. Each client gets an initial physical in addition to the above mentioned blood work. You are also measured for your Body Mass Index and Body Fat. At the half way point, it is done again and results are closely monitored. In the beginning, you are asked to come in five times for a step on the scale and a chance to ask questions. Then, week two and on, it is asked that you come in three times for weight assessment and updated counseling. The centers are also very customer friendly and offer everyone chances at extra savings, extra weeks or discounts on supplements. The focus is on you and what they can do to get you started on and keeping you on track.
There are six specially designed weight loss programs that will cover any possible weight loss challenge.
Each diet is nutritionally designed by a licensed dietitian to help you get the proper amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins and mineral that your body needs specific to each diet system. We offer highly specialized nutritional protein supplements designed to protect important lean muscle mass while you lose weight” (www.physiciansweightloss.com).
The six plans are as follows; VLCD 800 LCD 1000Physicians FastLow Fat 900Low Fat 1000Low Fat 1500. Please click on the links to see particular details. You do not make that decision alone. A counselor will assess your needs and suggest the right plan for you. They want to maximize the benefits of the plan starting on day one for each client. You are also given Vitamin B-12 injections as part of each plan.The injections of B-12 will aid the metabolic process.5
Their costs are a bit more specific. Right now, you can get an initial assessment, diet plan, blood work, doctor’s physical, your booklet and vitamins and supplement pills at $199for 16 weeks. The required supplements average $27 a week for one person and that is for a wide variety of powdered , high protein supplement drinks. This cost is valid and will give you a 16 week medically supervised weight loss program. There is a possible less expensive way to start as well. They will sign you up for $6.00 a week for 16 weeks and waive all medical fees. This is for the person who has a modest amount of weight to lose. Either way, your booklets even come with a shopping list guide for your groceries. See, with Physicians, you buy and eat real grocery store food. They realize that this is a lifestyle change and boxed or portioned food choices will delay you educational benefits. Right from the start, you learn what to buy and what portions to eat for a healthy and balanced meal. Food supplements are available, not required, for the extra busy life style.
Needless to say, I am a qualified candidate for a weight loss program. I did the research and my wife and I made a decision. As of July 20, 2009, we signed on with Physicians Weight Loss Center. So I am not just arbitrarily deciding which plan is best . I am putting my money where my mouth is. Tuesday, 7-21-09 is my first day on the plan. I am planning on a huge change in my appearance and health. So far, I have dodged a bullet and I want to hang around to see my grand children grow up. So, I heartily recommend and suggest Physicians Weight Loss Centers as the place to be. I am at the Avon, Ohio location. The center is owned by radio personality, Chip Kulik. The person who runs the center is a lovely woman named Barb and her assistant is a very pleasant young lady named Jennifer. They are both immensely qualified and make you feel like an old friend. I look forward to their help and guidance and tremendous success.
In fact, look up your favorite Weight Loss center on line, and get started. If you feel another center is for you, call them. By all means, take action. For my money, Physicians Weight Loss Centers are a “losing” proposition.
REFERENCES
1) www.laweightloss.com
2) www.jennycraig.com
3) Jenny Craig, Web Page program overviews
4) www.physiciansweightloss.com …Letter From The C.E.O.
5)www.physiciansweightloss.com … In Center Weight Loss programs
