While some teens and adults are able to lose weight on their own, the support of a structured program can be beneficial to others. By successfully losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight, overweight kids suffering from childhood obesity and their parents can reduce their risks for heart disease and other health problems. Before joining any weight control program, get the answers to the following questions:

• Is counseling included to help make changes in eating and lifestyle choices?
  A good program will teach you how make permanent changes in eating habits and physical activities that will help your achieve weight loss.

• Does the staff include qualified counselors, health professionals such as nutritionists, registered dieticians, doctors, nurses, psychologist and exercise physiologists?
  A physician should know about any health problems, medications being taken, and weight loss goals over 20 pounds. Weight loss plans using very low calorie plans or liquid formulas should also be discussed with doctors and other experts.

• Does the program include training for dealing with stress and the emotional aspects of dieting?
  Long term strategies to deal with weight problems in the future should be included. Incorporating a support system and establishing a physical activity routine is also an important component of a good weight loss program.

• What attention is paid to keeping the weight off and maintaining weight loss? How long does this last?
  Choose a program that helps to prevent weight gain by teaching skills and techniques in eating habits and exercise that result in permanent lifestyle changes.

• Is the program flexible and suitable for permanent weight loss? Do the client and the health professionals work together to set weight loss goals?A good program will consider taste likes and dislikes and attainable lifestyle changes that work toward achieving weight loss.

There are other questions to ask, but because programs don't always gather some of the information needed, the answers may not be available. Still, ask many questions to get as much information as possible. Find out what percentage of people complete the program, what the average amount of weight loss for participants is, what, if any, side effects do members suffer from, are there any other fees or costs associated with the program?

Quick weight loss methods usually don't provide long term results. Programs that rely on diet drinks, prepackaged foods, or diet pills aren't always safe or last. Making lifestyle changes that result in lasting results are important whether losing weight individually or with a group. Modest, attainable results and a steady course of action will ensure successful permanent weight loss.