Center for Medical Weight Loss Review – Is It All It’s Cracked Up To Be?

The Center for Medical Weight Loss is a medical weight loss chain headquartered out of New York, operated by “Be-Thin, Inc.”.  It was founded by Dr. Michael Kaplan, an internist who received his board certification in bariatric medicine (causes, prevention and treatment of obesity).  He practices under the name “Long Island Weight Loss Institute“.  You can read more about the company itself and founders here:  Some Notes on the Center for Medical Weight Loss.

Dr. Kaplan marketed and sold his weight loss approach to other primary care physicians (PCPs) as “licensees” across the U.S.   The doctors at each of these participating medical weight loss clinics are claimed to be experts in obesity, fitness, nutrition, exercise, weight loss prescription medicines, weight loss counseling, weight related illness behavioral modification and exercise.  The physicians get an ‘exclusive territory’ to operate under the CMWL’s brand.

The doctors basically create their own “center for medical weight loss” where they see their primary patients and schedule hours to see new weight loss patients.  They receive training from Dr. Kaplan, and have access to clinical studies and research.  The Medical Weight Loss Center also offers seminars featuring bariatric medicine experts.

Center for Medical Weight Loss Program

The Center for Medical Weight Loss program focuses on treating people looking for cosmetic and medical weight loss, 50% female patients needing to lose 20 pounds or less, and 50% needing to lose 40-100 pounds.  Patients are ‘typically’ put on low calorie diets (800-1200 calories a day) of company shakes, nutrition bars, and sometimes prescription appetite suppressants.  As they get near their goal, they’re eased back onto food.  Dr. Kaplan says patients will initially have weekly appointments then taper off, depending upon their progress.   The counseling is said to be done by the doctor himself.  There are four steps in joining:  schedule your consultation, meet the doctor and staff, find the plan that’s right for you, and start your personalized program.

Center for Medical Weight Loss Costs

The average cost of this program is hard to narrow down.  The meal replacements cost is $105/week.  If the Phentermine prescription appetite suppressant’s used, it costs about $30 per month.  I would guess that depending on which program you follow, that cost could be hundreds/month.  Many patients stay on the plan for a year or more, and many are repeat patients.

The CMWL has added some food options to its meal replacement line including hot soups and snack foods, and has more weight loss maintenance offers.  It now offers “Capsiate Natura“, which is a natural metabolism enhancer.

The Center for Medical Weight Loss (NOT “Medical Weight Loss Center”) offers three phases in their programs:  Quick Start, Transition, and Maintenance, including food, exercise, behavioral counseling and prescription medication.  There are four plans including:

• Low Calorie Program (LCP) including liquid diets, meal replacement formulas, protein bars and soups with continuing education, exercise and counseling.
• Modified Program
• Bariatric Surgery and
• Prescription Drug Program using FDA approved prescription diet pills (usually Phentermine) with counseling and exercise

You need to locate a center near you (by zip code) to participate.

Center for Medical Weight Loss Review Conclusions

This seems to be a well supervised medical program; however, some critics question whether two day seminars are sufficient training for the doctors.  There are also questions whether the doctors are really knowledgeable about nutrition, fitness and exercise, weight loss counseling or behavioral modification.  The actual costs of the programs aren’t revealed, and it varies with everyone.  There isn’t any real clinical evidence supporting the overall or long-term effectiveness of this program, and if there’s not a center located near you, then it doesn’t look like you can participate.

I would suggest reading more at the “Notes” link above to learn more about the company and founders.  Consumers seem to like the approach since it’s grown so rapidly since 2007.   This is a “fee for service” plan, which means you will pay out of pocket, so it might be better for those with larger weight loss budgets.  I would definitely do my homework on this or any other weight loss center, program or product.  Here’s their link: Center for Medical Weight Loss.  If you’ve tried one of their programs, I’d love to hear from you.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Fast Weight Loss Programs:  Can You Get Super Fast Weight Loss with a Rapid Weight Loss Program?

Everyone wants to know how to get super fast weight loss with a fast weight loss program. I’ll review what you need to look for in a rapid weight loss program, and some things you can do to get super fast weight loss, but the key is to do it SAFELY.  You can break a weight loss plateau and get a fast start, which motivates you to continue, but for permanent weight loss, you need to change your lifestyle.  There are many rapid weight loss programs and solutions to help you, including body detoxification, learning what and when to eat to burn fat faster, high protein diets, exercising which is another major key, etc.  I’ll review some of these things for super fast weight loss SAFELY with a rapid weight loss program.

How to Get Super Fast Weight Loss with a Rapid Weight Loss Program

To get super fast weight loss with a rapid weight loss program, some of the key things you need to do are:

1. Get plenty of rest.  This is vital, because if your body isn’t rested, your metabolism slows down, which means you won’t burn as much fat or calories as you would otherwise.  Your body’s rejuvenated when you rest or sleep.  The more energy you have, and the longer you maintain it, will help you burn more fat and calories faster.
2. Good Nutrition and Lots of Water.  You need to learn what healthy food and drink will help keep your energy levels up AND how to maintain that energy to lose weight faster.   Fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain and protein foods helps energy levels and naturally help you lose weight faster.  The worst things to eat when you’re trying to lose weight are fast foods, fried foods, packaged, pre-processed foods and white flour products.  You also need to drink a lot of water throughout the day.  It not only helps you fill up, but it cleanses your system, removing unhealthy toxins, etc., and helps your body work better, which helps you lose weight faster, and is the healthiest thing you can put in your body.
3. Regular Exercise (Movement).  You don’t need to kill yourself with high impact exercises, running, etc., but exercising (moving) consistently helps speed up the fat burning process in your body, and you’ll burn more calories and fat if you exercise.  To keep the weight off permanently, you need to start a routine of going for walks, playing with your kids or pets, dancing, even talking and laughing help burn more calories.  Moderate exercise at least 3 times a week should be the minimum.  The more, the better.

Finding A Rapid Weight Loss Program for Super Fast Weight Loss

If you need to get super fast weight loss for a special occasion, there are rapid weight loss programs to achieve that.  BUT, they shouldn’t be used frequently, because they’re not healthy consistently or long-term.  Beyonce  apparently used the Master Cleanse Diet (also called the maple syrup or lemon juice diet) to get rid of 20 pounds in two weeks for the Dreamgirls movie.  Body cleansing and detoxification is healthy if you only do it as directed. Other things you can do are:

• Eat healthy foods and snacks 5-6 times a day 3-4 hours apart to keep your metabolism up, burning more calories faster and continuously.
• Eat a couple of raw fruits or vegetables before every meal.  Your body burns more calories digesting them, and they remove toxins from your blood, liquifying and flushing fat from your body
• Drink ice cold water to raise your metabolism.  Your body keeps burning calories to heat the cold water back up to your body temperature.

Jillian Michaels also has some super fast weight loss recipes to lose 5 pounds in 7 days for her rapid weight loss program.  Some of these are:

• Use 60 ounces of pure or distilled water
• Add 1 Tablespoon of sugar-free cranberry juice
• Add 1 dandelion root tea bag and
• 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice

Drink this every day for 7 days to help flush out excess water weight.  Some other super fast weight loss tips from Jillian Michael’s Rapid Weight Loss Program are to:

1. Take Vitamin C. It helps suppress the belly fat-storing hormone “Cortisol”.  Good sources of natural Vitamin C include most citrus fruits including oranges, tangerines, berries, etc.
2. Eat Brazil nuts.  They’re a good source of “Selenium” and help support your thyroid, which is a big part of how your body burns fat. They also contain Zinc, which helps your body produce “Leptin”, a hormone that helps you feel full
3. Eat Garlic.  It helps boost your testosterone levels, which helps you keep lean muscle, helping to lose body fat
4. Buy Organic Foods.  They don’t have toxins which slow your metabolism, and are much healthier for you
5. Use moderate amounts of caffeine to boost your metabolism (energy) by 6%. It also increases testosterone and HGH levels before workouts to help burn more fat faster

I wouldn’t recommend some of these super fast weight loss program tips consistently.  But, they’re helpful for special occasions.  Quality, reputable rapid weight loss programs will provide coaching assistance, trackers, tools, “buddy” resources and follow-up, as well as free trials and money back guarantees.

Other article around the web about fast weight loss programs:

Wrigley, Diet and Weight Management:  When it comes to managing weight, every calorie counts. Experts say that even small decreases…
http://www.wrigley.com/global/benefits-of-chewing/diet.aspx

Special K, Whether your goal is to finally slip into those skinny jeans or you’re just looking to become a little more fit and fabulous…
http://www.specialk.com/challenge/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=how%2Bto%2Blose%2Bweight&utm_content=search&utm_campaign=Diet%2Band%2BWeight%2BLoss&gclid=CPG3woSWl6UCFQk8gwodSDXSeg

Dallas Weight Loss Hypnosis Center, Hypnosis is a proven effective way to lose weight. Hypnosis reduces the pain, suffering, deprivation and constant hunger…
http://www.dallasfastweightloss.com/

Popularity: unranked [?]

How to Compare Weight Loss Programs

Some of the most well-known weight loss programs right now are Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, NutriSystem and eDiets.  I’m going to briefly show you how to find online weight loss programs and online weight loss support, and what to look for.

Some of these programs are not low in cost, and some want you to visit their centers.  Some promise fast weight loss while others focus on setting realistic weight loss goals and making a lifestyle change.   Some things to ask yourself before choosing a weight loss program are:

• How much weight do you want to lose? Set a realistic and healthy goal.

• What is the cost of the program? Make sure you know everything included in the program without added cost, and that it includes prompt support, expert advice, tools and the resources you need to succeed.

• Does the program offer support? There are online weight loss programs with very good online weight loss support, forums, etc.  Compare weight loss programs benefits, costs, expert involvement, classes and healthy goals.

• Do the weight loss programs have customizable diet plans for individuals and lifestyles? There are very good programs that will customize sensible diet plans for you and your lifestyle, and provide the tools and resources you need to help you succeed.

• Do the online weight loss programs provide a “maintenance” program, and does it cost more? Make sure the program includes an ongoing maintenance program to help you maintain your healthy lifestyle and weight long-term.  The longer it focuses on helping you to change your lifestyle, eating and physical activities, the better chance you have of success.

• Compare weight loss programs and online weight loss programs for realistic goals, support and guarantees. You want to make sure it offers excellent ongoing support, and provides money-back guarantees (check the timeline and restrictions).  You have every right to quit the program and get your money back, but be sure to give it 1-3 months before changing to another so you can see real results.

How to Find Online Weight Loss Programs and Online Weight Loss Support

Finding the right online weight loss program can be time-consuming, frustrating and confusing. Compare weight loss programs and make sure you have good offline and online weight loss support.  Some of the things to consider when comparing weight loss programs are to:

1. Determine your lifestyle and “weight loss style”.  Some need more structure than others, and some find the online weight loss programs useful while others need to go to a weight loss center.
2. The Weight Watchers Program has online weight loss support as well as offline, meetings, etc.  It promotes healthy eating by teaching you “points” of foods, how to eat in moderation, and provides online tools, experts, resources and support.
3. eDiets has a great online weight loss support system, tools and resources, as well, with others in the same situation as you.  They have specialized programs for those with special diet needs, online meetings and support groups, and an accessible registered nutrition counselor.
4. The  Jenny Craig weight loss program is a good choice if you need personal meetings to help keep you on track.  When you sign up, you meet with a counselor to review your personal goals and create a custom weight loss program.   You can also have telephone consultations instead of having to visit an office.  The cost varies depending on the foods you choose.  They do provide specials, as well.
5. According to Forbes Magazine, the NutriSystem weight loss program is the lowest priced popular weight loss program, which is the opposite of what most of us would think.  With this program, you don’t need to count points or calories.  You just choose your 28 day meal plan, and they’re delivered to you.  To compare weight loss programs, this plan can be customized every month, or set up for auto-delivery so you don’t have to worry about it.

Some Tips:

• In comparing weight loss programs and online weight loss programs, they should have free trials or risk-free, money-back guarantees so you can try them and see if it might work for you.  Make sure to ask yourself the above questions when comparing, particularly an offline or online weight loss support system and access to industry experts.

• Don’t weigh yourself daily.  Your body weight fluctuates from morning to night and day to day depending on fluids, hormones, etc.  Most weight loss programs will have you weigh weekly.

Other articles around the web related to compare weight loss programs:

Internet Archive audio collection:  Cooking and compare weight loss programs

http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=mediatype:audio%20AND%20collection:cooking_audio%20AND%20subject:%22Compare%20Weight%20Loss%20Programs%22

Ask.com:  Weight Loss Programs

http://www.ask.com/questions-about/Weight-Loss-Programs

Apply for grants for weight loss programs

http://www.ehow.com/how_5645859_apply-grants-weight-loss-programs.html

Popularity: unranked [?]

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