La Weight Loss Vs Weight Watchers

Obesity has dramatically increased over the past 20 years in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. With a society that encourages unhealthy food and a sedentary lifestyle, it's no wonder that obesity has become a major health concern in America. In order to assist consumers in achieving a healthy weight, Weight Watchers and LA Weight Loss offer diet programs that encourage healthy eating and physical activity.

Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers was founded in the early 1960s by Jean Nidetch, a homemaker who held group meetings to discuss the best weight loss strategies. Today the program offers a simple method of counting calories to help consumers lose weight. Weight Watchers is based on the "Four Pillars of Weight Loss," which take into consideration many factors that affect your weight, such as daily habits, diet, social support and physical activity. Recently, Weight Watchers introduced the "Points Plus" program, which incorporates current research in nutrition science that supports consuming high-fiber, high-protein foods to help you feel more satisfied after meals. To provide support and convenience, Weight Watchers offers weekly meetings and online services to help you reach your weight loss goals.

LA Weight Loss

LA Weight Loss promises rapid results through a satisfying diet plan. The program incorporates specialized nutrition bars and supplements into your diet as the "key" to your success. There are three phases to the program: weight loss, stabilization and maintenance. The weight loss phase is the first phase and is accomplished by setting a weight loss goal and adopting a special diet plan. The stabilization phase occurs when you have reached your weight loss goal. During this phase, education is provided on how to incorporate more variety into your diet plan. The third phase, maintenance, details your personal plan for permanent weight loss. Online tools also are available through this program to offer tips on how to succeed in your weight loss goals.

Pros and Cons

Weight Watchers and LA Weight Loss can be pricey and include fees such as start-up costs and monthly membership dues. Purchasing additional diet supplements and food products also increase costs; however, these programs can be helpful in providing the motivation and structure needed to reach your weight loss goal.

Considerations

The Weight Watchers and LA Weight Loss programs utilize the same basic diet principle of eating fewer calories than you burn. Eating healthy foods, limiting calories and increasing your physical activity are key ingredients to achieving lasting weight loss results. While weight loss programs might be helpful, they are certainly not necessary. In order to decide if joining a weight loss program is right for you, talk to your doctor.