If you decide to join any kind of weight control program, here are some questions to ask before you join. 

1:The program should provide counseling to help you change your eating activity, and personal habits. 

The program should teach you how to change permanently those eating habits and lifestyle factors, such as lack of physical activity that have contributed to weight gain. 

2: The staff should made up of a variety of qualified counselors and health professionals such as nutritionists, registered dietitians, doctors, nurses, psychologists, and exercise physiologists. 

You need to be evaluated by a physician if you have any health problems, are currently taking any medicine, or plan on taking any medicine, or plan to lose more than 15 to 20 pounds. If your weight control plan uses a very low-calorie diet (a special liquid formula that replaces all food for 1 to 4 months), an exam and follow up visits by a doctor are also needed. 

3:The training should be available on how to deal with times when you may feel stressed and slip back to old habits. 

The program should provide long-term strategies to deal with weight problems you may have in the future. These strategies might include things like setting up a support system and establishing a physical activity routine. 

4:The food choices should be flexible and suitable and weight goals should be seted by the client and the health professional. 

The program should consider your food likes and dislikes and your lifestyle when your weight loss goals are planned. 

Whether you lose weight on your own or with a group, remember that the most important changes are long term. No matter how much weight you have to lose, modest goals and a slow course will increase your chances of both losing the weight and keeping it off.