A positive attitude is needed in order for you to reach your goal. Hence, most of the ownership for any program has to radiate from you. Do it, do it well and do it safe!! The scale... Stop focusing on the scale- It is just a number! There are far more important things to keep in mind while going through your weight loss journey such as: How do you feel? Do you have more energy? Do you have a better outlook on life? Can you play with your kids longer without getting tired? Do you get better reports from your doctor? Are your clothes too big? Here's the biggest question of all: ARE YOU HAPPIER? So, while shopping for that life changing program you need to feel ready because when you are, you will be able to answer those questions with a big, happy YES!!!

Be Consumer Aware,  and ask Yourself these Questions:

1) Does the Weight Loss Program Suit your Lifestyle?


All too often, if the program doesn't fit your lifestyle, it won't work! If your lifestyle is hectic and a program calls for a lot of food preparation and cooking day in and day out... it's not for you.

2) Does the Weight Loss Program involve Product?


There are quite a few companies that will carry product whether it is food or supplements. If this is the case, be prepared during the second or third appointment after your "Free Consultation" to be pressured into investing into these products. All too often, they will tell you that this product is necessary for a successful weight loss and without you won't lose as fast......buyer beware!!



3) Is the Entire Cost an Up- Front Charge?


Please keep in mind that the other weight loss programs that were here in the past, as well as their history... Will they be around for the duration of your program. Chances are they can't guarantee you anything!!



4) Is there a Financing Option?


Give this some very careful thought!! Keep in mind that whatever program you chose, weight loss is a NON TANGIBLE ITEM!! You are financing NOTHING.... If you finance a car or a sofa, you can touch them....can you touch weight loss? My advice to you is look at the interest rate, and NEVER, NEVER finance a program that goes past its duration. For example, your program is one year program and you finance it for five years... Go back to the car....You still have it in the fifth year ..Where’s the weight loss program?

5) Is there a Nutritionist on Staff?


All too often there isn't. Some companies have access to them; however, these nutritionists are probably in another province or state. Maybe you have a special dietary condition that will need the attention of a nutritionist and that  face to face interaction ...so ask is there one on staff and can you speak to him/her if need be. If they say you can't.... That program may not be right for you.



6) Is the Weight Loss Program a Franchise or a Locally Owned and Operated Company?


Franchisors usually require franchisees to follow their operations manual to a tee in order to ensure consistency. This limits any creativity on the part of the franchisee. In other words there is no veering away from the manual, you can't speak to the actual owner and then you have to deal with the chain of command and red tape if a situation does arise. All too often their employees are scripted, in other words they are trained to follow a script, so pay close attention to the rapport they have with you in the consultation: Do the Reps sound genuine or are they reading from a "Pretty Book"? Overcoming Objections is another tactic franchises use- The staff are trained to place guilt on you when they are presenting you with the price....here is an actual example: "Well Bessie, you did say a few minutes ago that your family doctor told you needed to lose weight or you will develop diabetes... Now Bessie, you don't want that to happen, do you? So will it be Visa or Mastercard?"- THIS DOES HAPPEN. Actually, most staff are supposed to ask for your method of payment at least three times in the conversation, they have role played this in training! Local companies can see the client's needs from the client's point of view, can negotiate if a situation arises, hire the proper staff that displays the same values and philosophies as the owner. Plus you can speak to the owner at any time!!

7) Let's analyze a Gym from a Weight Loss Perspective:

If your number one fitness goal is to lose weight at a gym, then please keep in mind that 80% of weight loss originates from your nutrition. So unless you are going to change your eating habits, a gym may not be the answer, but your heart will Thank you for it!!



8) What are the Hours of Operation?

Are they convenient for your schedule, are they opened early in the morning because you are at your lightest and would prefer early mornings? Are they opened late in the evenings because you want to go home first and change into lighter clothes?


9) Take the time to read the Sales Agreement!!


If the representative doesn't go over it with you and point out certain areas that maybe of importantance to you, or have you initial certain parts of the agreement...please take the time to read it before you sign it. Once signed, it is legal and binding. BUT PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND: BY LAW YOU HAVE TEN DAYS AFTER THE SIGNING OF ANY AGREEMENT TO CANCEL. THIS IS CALLED "BUYERS REMORSE".  So if you get home and you don't feel comfortable about your purchase, you do have that ten days grace to rescind the sales agreement.



10) The final Question to ASK: Is there a Stabilization and Maintenance Plan available after you reach your goal weight?


If the company doesn't provide a good support system after you get to your goal weight, please don't invest in it!! Ask questions like: How long is the program and if there are foolish stipulations like you must stay within two pounds of your goal weight or you are disqualified from the Stab. and Main. Portion. Once a body hits its goal weight, it has to be stabilized, this is something you can't rush a body into or you will gain your weight back! Keep in mind your body is at its most sensitive time and has to gradually be introduced to more food, too much food too soon can result in a gain. When it comes to Maintenance, this program should be one where a client is prepped to go out into the world with their new body having the confidence that he/she has this under control. All too often in Maintenance, it's not about weight loss, but about supporting the client. A client at this stage has developed fears about their body, fears such as gaining their weight back or afraid of eating. So as you can see here, a Maintenance Program should be about bringing the body and the mind together!! Anything that says a "Life Time" membership usually has stipulations.....Come on, do you want to be at this for the rest of your life?

Hopefully, I've prepped you on what to say and be aware of when shopping for a weight loss program. These ten areas are very evident in the world of weight loss because it is an industry that plays on people's emotions. Chances are something has happened to prompt you to shop for a suitable program, so despite you being upset about your weight, please go into any of these with a clear head.


-Brenda Barry, Director

Empowering YOU Lifestyle Centre



If you would like to witness the investigation into a popular weight loss franchise, take a look at this link:

http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/2010/magic_in_a_bottle/main.html