One subject that is the focus of almost every person — and especially those who are, or approaching middle age, is weight.

To lose weight and keep it off, you should be aware of the different types of programs available and the important parts of a good program. Knowing this information should help you select or design a weight-loss program that will work for you.

Do-It-Yourself Programs
   Any effort to lose weight by yourself or with a group of like-minded others through support groups, worksite, or community-based programs fits in the “do-it-yourself” category. Note: Not all diet books are reliable sources of weight-loss information.
Non-Clinical Programs
These programs may or may not be commercially operated, such as through a privately-owned, weight-loss chain. They often use books and pamphlets that are prepared by health-care providers. These programs use counselors (who usually are not health-care providers and may or may not have training) to provide services to you. Some programs require participants to use the program’s food or supplements.
Clinical Programs

This type of program may or may not be commercially owned. Services are provided in a health-care setting, such as a hospital, by licensed health professionals, such as physicians, nurses, dietitians, and/or psychologists.

In some clinical programs, a health professional works alone; in others, a group of health professionals work together. Clinical programs may offer you services such as nutrition education, medical care, behavior change therapy, and physical activity.

Clinical programs may also use other weight-loss methods, such as very low-calorie diets, prescription weight-loss drugs, and surgery, to treat severely overweight patients.

Very Low-Calorie Diets (VLCDs)

Very low-calorie diets (VLCDs) are commercially prepared formulas that provide no more than 800 calories per day and replace all usual food intake. VLCDs help individuals lose weight more quickly than is usually possible with low-calorie diets.
Gastric Surgery

You may consider gastric surgery if you are more than 80 pounds overweight. The surgery, sometimes called bariatric surgery, causes weight loss in one of two ways:
• Limiting the amount of food your stomach can hold by closing off or removing parts of the stomach.
• Causing food to be poorly digested by bypassing the stomach or part of the intestines.

After surgery, patients usually lose weight quickly. While some weight is often regained, many patients are successful in keeping off most of their weight. In some cases, the surgery can lead to problems that require follow-up operations. Surgery may also reduce the amount of vitamins and minerals in your body and cause gallstones.

Before Deciding on a Program

If you are considering a weight-loss program and you have medical problems, or if you are severely overweight, programs run by trained health professionals may be best for you. These professionals are more likely to monitor you for possible side effects of weight loss and talk to your doctor when necessary.