Despite studies saying North Americans are getting fatter every year, people are obsessed with weight loss, and the business of losing weight has ballooned into a $43 billion industry. How much would you be willing to spend to lose weight?
There is no shortage of options when it comes to weight-loss programs. The key is finding one that fits your lifestyle and budget. Of course, you could always go the old-fashioned route, reducing calories and increasing exercise, but many dieters need the added structure and support, not to mention the accountability (there's nothing like a little public humiliation to keep you motivated) that accompanies an organized program.
But paying someone to keep you on the straight and narrow isn't cheap. Here's a quick look at a handful of popular programs and the costs involved. (Note: Prices are based on past estimates and are subject to change)
The IsagenixTM 30 day program has a cost ranging from $300 to $430 (depending on how you buy it). This program will replace 68 meals each month and you are guaranteed to lose at least 8 pounds or your money back. Compare that to these other diet and weight loss systems (and we know how well they typically work, or don’t)....
Dr. Bernstein Health and Diet Clinics or what’s known as the Injection Diet:
One of the biggest draws is that clients can expect to lose between 16 and 20 pounds a month. Such rapid weight loss will undoubtedly keep you motivated, which is good because there's no room for cheating. The diet is extremely strict (about 500 to 800 calories total/day) and allows next to no carbohydrates. Clients visit their doctor’s office three to five times a week for weigh-ins and vitamins B6 and B12 injections. Dieters also take a multivitamin ($16 for 60) and four calcium-potassium supplements ($16 for 100) a day.
The idea is to put your body into a state called ketosis, which basically means you're living off your own fat supply instead of the energy normally provided by food. This type of rapid weight loss is not without risk. As a result, this diet must be medically supervised.
It's $315.65 for the initial consultation, which includes a diet diary, recipe book and one week of shots. Each additional week is $160.50; however you can purchase a month's worth for $599.20. If you lose four to five pounds a week, it will take six to eight weeks to reach your goal. After you're done, it's recommended you go on a year-long maintenance program ($749), which is designed to help keep off the weight and reintroduce regular food. You can buy all food at the grocery store, however there are optional Bernstein food items, including protein bars, cereals, puddings, soups and drinks ($16 for seven portions).
Total cost: $2,032.50 to $2,311.05, including maintenance. Price does not include food.
Herbal Magic:
The franchised company's Quick-Loss PLUS individualized weight management program combines supplements, grocery store foods and one-on-one counseling designed to help participants lose between two and seven pounds a week (two pounds is realistic). The initial consultation is free and fees are based on how much you want to lose. There are two supplements assigned to most dieters — one is $57 a week, the other is $25 a month.
"You're looking at about $1,000 to do the whole program," estimates one Herbal Magic staffer (prices may vary slightly from franchise to franchise). That includes about 15 weeks of weight loss, six weeks on a stabilization program and continued maintenance.
Total cost: $1,958, not including food.
Nutri-System:
This at-home system (no office visits or weigh-ins) will appeal to those who don't like to cook. It involves exclusively eating the company's prepackaged meals. The 28-day program includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks (you have to add in your own fresh vegetables, fruit and dairy). Support is offered through a free website.
"Some people lose one pound a week, some people lose three pounds a week," says a Nutri-System sales representative. If, on average, you lose two pounds a week, the diet will take about four months. It's cheaper to sign up for the Auto-Delivery Savings program (the food keeps coming until you cancel it), which costs $341, including shipping, a month.
Total cost: $1,364, including all food, except fresh greens, fruits and dairy.
Weight Watchers:
This is one of the most popular diets in the world, probably because there's no such thing as taboo food. The diet is based on portion control and involves weekly support meetings; you can also do the program online.
The Flexible Points plan means each food is assigned a point value and you can eat anything as long as you stay within your allotted points. The Core plan involves a preapproved list of foods. While there are plenty of Weight Watchers food items on the market, they are optional.
Registration is $25 and weekly fees are $16, however you can purchase packages, such as 26 weeks for $299 or $11.50 per week. It costs $39.95 to register online, as well as $21.95 per month. Plan to lose one to two pounds a week for 20 weeks to reach a 30-pounds weight-loss goal.
Total cost: $320 or $149.70 online, not including food.
These diets are just the tip of the iceberg — the options for losing weight are endless. Keep in mind that this isn't an endorsement of any of the programs listed above. Before committing to any system, research the company, talk to your doctor and ask the following:
* What is the cost of membership, weekly fees, food, supplements, maintenance, and counseling?
* What's the payment schedule?
* Are any costs covered under health insurance?
* What is the refund/return policy?
* What are the health risks?
* How many participants succeed in reaching their goal and keeping off the weight?
* What kind of professional supervision or counseling is provided?
It's also important to be realistic. Ask yourself if you can afford the program and if it fits your lifestyle. If you have the motivation, but not the means, don't fret. Instead, consider two tried and tested methods for losing weight: reduce the number of calories you take in, and exercise to increase the number of calories you burn off.