Weight Loss [Guide]

You can choose from a range of weight management support options to help you start losing weight and improving your health.

Choosing a dietitian

Accredited practising dietitians are recognised professionals who can provide expert nutrition and dietary advice. Dietitians can guide you to sound food and health information.

* You can contact a dietitian in various ways, including:
* Your doctor may recommend a suitable dietitian.
* Your local council can provide a list of local practitioners.
* There may be a dietitian based at your local community health service.
* Use the Better Health Channel services directory to find a dietitian.
* The Dietitians Association of Australia can give you contact information on * dietitians working in private practice, either by giving them a call or searching on their website.
* Choosing a reputable weight management service

Generally speaking, a good weight management service will:
* emphasise improved health, such as lower blood cholesterol, and plan to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease
* emphasise a balanced approach to eating, including foods from all of the core food groups
* focus on the loss of body fat (for example, waist measurement), not just total body weight
* include regular exercise and physical activities
* advise against a daily energy intake of less than 5000kj
* recommend a gradual weight loss of around 1–4 kilograms a month to begin with and aim for 10–20 per cent loss of total body weight in the longer term
* appreciate input from your doctor or healthcare professional
* advise on how to improve long-term eating and exercise habits
* offer details on all fees and costs of additional items
* give clear information on the refund policy.

Avoid dubious weight management services

Don’t use a weight management service that advises you to:
* cut out one or more of the major food groups
* replace food with powders or supplements
* use unproven or unsafe equipment such as saunas, passive exercise machines, diuretics and body wraps
* aim for rapid weight loss
* focus on quick weight loss, but doesn’t include any guidance on how to maintain a healthy weight for the long term
* sign up without being clear about all fees and costs of additional items
* sign up without offering you clear information about their refund policy.

If you decide to start a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) using meal replacement shakes, bars or soups, consult a dietitian to make sure you are still meeting all your nutritional requirements, have ongoing support to continue the program and advice for reintroducing solid foods to avoid any weight regain.

Choosing a kilojoule-controlled meal service

According to the Weight Management Code of Practice, a reputable home-delivered meal service should offer:
* a written health warning about the dangers of rapid weight loss, including the suggestion to consult with your doctor
* detailed written information on the services offered, including delivery arrangements and the nutritional value of the meals
* clear information on all costs, including delivery charges
* the option to cancel after five days, including a pro rata refund.

Making a complaint

If you are unhappy with a weight management service, you should complain to the company. If you are unsatisfied with the response or outcome, you can take the complaint further.

Depending on the weight management service chosen, you could contact the Dietitians Association of Australia or the Weight Management Code Administration Council Complaints Committee. Consumer Affairs Victoria is the government body that can also advise about such complaints.