Counseling For Weight Loss

Weight-loss counseling is available in many forms. Choose from an Internet weight-loss counseling site, a group that meets in a church or store front, an individual behavioral counselor that meets with you one-on-one or group behavioral counseling. Think about which type counseling will enable you to meet your goals. Verify that the program or counselor you are using is credible and has proven successes.

Internet Counseling

When choosing an Internet site you will find websites that offer individual email counseling and coaching, as well as websites set up for groups. According to a study published in "The Journal of the American Medical Association," participating in "an internet weight loss program with behavioral e-counseling produced significantly more weight loss and greater reductions in waist circumference at 1 year than the same basic program without behavioral counseling." Look for a counselor who offers email counseling as well as website resources.

Group Counseling

Being part of a group weight-loss program is proven to help you lose weight. The journal of "Eating and Weight Disorders" published a study which showed that participating in a 10-week program enabled participants to lose more weight than those who tried to lose weight alone. When you attend a group program, you will have an individual weigh-in, join in group discussions and share your weight-loss challenges. Your group will provide you accountability and support.

Individual Counseling

Individual weight-loss counseling will be good for you if you feel more at ease talking about your weight, eating patterns and food struggles with one person. A trained counselor will spend time teaching you skills to handle social situations, developing a nutritional plan, encouraging you to set realistic goals and working on the emotional side of weight loss. You will meet on a weekly basis, and he or she will encourage you to share your feelings, struggles and victories from the week.

Time Commitment

Your time commitment when participating in weight-loss counseling is dependent upon the type of counseling you choose. With Internet counseling, plan on spending an hour a day on message boards, composing and responding to emails and tracking your food. Group counseling sessions are generally held once a week and last one to two hours. You may need to devote additional time to writing in your diary. One-on-one counseling will require a one hour per week time commitment.

Cost Considerations

Costs for weight-loss counseling vary widely. There are group programs at churches and community centers that are offered free of charge. Many cities are home to nationally recognized weight-loss programs. Some have nominal weekly fees, and others charge hundreds of dollars for one-on-one counseling and food supplements. Internet programs range from free to several hundred dollars. And individual counseling programs vary in price per counselor. Your insurance company may cover part of your cost of individual counseling.