The obesity rate is 25 percent or higher in more than half of the states in the nation, according to 2009 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are obese, you may be looking for more structured options to lose weight. Residential weight-loss programs may be an appropriate choice. These programs can be beneficial in helping you reach your health and fitness goals, if you're committed.
Description
Hospitals, medical facilities and private businesses offer residential weight-loss programs. Programs vary in length, ranging from less than a week to several months. They offer structured eating plans and exercise activities throughout the day. Helping you lose weight and developing a new way of thinking about nutrition and fitness are goals of these programs. However, some may also offer other services geared toward improving your health, such as smoking cessation programs or life coaching. Programs may be for specific groups, such as women or minors.
Features
While program components vary, typical daily activities include fitness classes, educational workshops, individual counseling and group therapy sessions. The goal of therapy is to address the issues that contribute to your problems with weight; changing your thought processes is important for sticking to healthy behaviors once you leave the facility. Medical evaluations and testing may also be part of these programs, particularly if they are offered through medical establishments. Health spas with weight-loss programs typically offer more pampering, but may not be appropriate if you have special health concerns.
What to Look For
Residential programs are expensive, so it's essential you research prospective facilities before moving forward. Find out who is in charge of the program and the qualifications of staff members. Medical doctors, registered dietitians, psychologists and trained fitness professionals should be leading the program and its activities. This is especially important if you have existing health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Discuss program objectives and success rates with a representative from the facility. Avoid residential programs that push you to buy supplements or other products. Effective programs should also prepare you for maintaining your weight loss and healthy lifestyle after treatment. Some facilities offer follow-up programs to help reinforce what you've learned.
Benefits
Research shows that completing a well-developed, safe residential weight-loss program can be beneficial. A study published in August 2006 in the journal "Eating Behaviors" found that participants in a four-week residential program had an average weight loss of 6.5 percent and improvement in their blood sugar levels. Analysis of a children's residential program found that participants not only lost weight but also showed improvement in their fitness level, blood pressure and self-esteem, according to a study published in July 2005 in the journal "Pediatrics."
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: U.S. Obesity Trends 1985-2009
- Duke University Health System: Duke Diet & Fitness Center
- Columbia University: Go Ask Alice!: Weight Loss Camps
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Weight -Control Information Network: Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program
- PubMed.gov: Structure-Size Me: Weight and Health Changes in a Four-Week Program
- PubMed.gov: Children's Residential Weight Loss Program Can Work: A Prospective Cohort Study of Short-Term Outcomes for Overweight and Obese Children
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