Dieting may be difficult, but losing weight through a structured program has a number of benefits. In addition to reducing your levels of body fat, dieting and losing weight can improve your quality of life and lower your risk of certain diseases and conditions. Using a diet program in your attempt to achieve these results may increase your chances of success due to a variety of factors that dieting alone doesn't provide. But there are also disadvantages associated with these plans. Before beginning any diet plan, consult a medical professional.
Support
While you may not be dieting with someone you know, taking part in a structured diet program can put you into contact with health experts and others pursuing weight loss. As Good Housekeeping magazine explains diet programs that offer participants feedback from professionals tend to be more effective than those that do not. Good Housekeeping notes many popular diet programs such as the South Beach Diet and Nutrisystem offer online support, tips and tricks, workout and menu planners, message boards, and in some cases, one-on-one counseling. Some of these services are free, while others cost money.
Personalized Menus
Another advantage of losing weight via a diet plan is the availability of personalized menus and meal plans. CBS Moneywatch notes some diet plans offer recipe databases, menu planners and specific meal ideas. Others offer delivery of prepared meals, though this service comes with an extra charge. According to CBS Moneywatch, lower-end plans offer frozen meals, while higher-end programs provide fresh food.
Expense
Although CBS Moneywatch acknowledges the benefits of weight loss plans, there are also disadvantages. A primary concern is cost. Meal delivery, online support and enrollment all come with fees, which may vary widely between plans. As CBS Moneywatch points out, some diet plans that include meal delivery can cost more than $200 per pound of weight lost, which adds up to nearly $4,500 for 20 pounds as of 2010.
Lack of Exercise Instruction
The Mayo Clinic notes although dieting alone can produce weight loss, you may be able to double the speed of your weight loss by incorporating exercise. Many diet programs do not make any exercise recommendations and may claim that exercise is not necessary. This can prevent you from making lifestyle changes, which the Mayo Clinic also points out is crucial for successful weight loss. Additionally, if you're spending a lot of money on a diet program, you may not be able to afford a gym membership or personal trainer.
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