L.A. Weight Loss

Recently, more and more L.A. Weight Loss Centers have been popping up in towns and cities throughout the United States. Can this be the answer to your weight loss success?

What is L.A. Weight Loss?

Founded in 1989 by Vahan Karian, and with more than 700 diet centers in North America and Europe, the L.A. Weight Loss plan focuses on a simple and conventional theory regarding weight loss: lose weight by decreasing calories from food and expending calories with exercise. At first glance, the approach to this theory seems rather conventional as well. Members have a private consultation with a counselor that includes a personal medical history, eating habits, current lifestyle, favorite foods, and current physical activity level. A daily calorie requirement is then determined, which will be between 1,100 and 1,800 total calories, along with supporting meal plans. In this way, the program takes its basic structure and personalizes it to meet specific needs. While there is no calorie counting, servings from each food group form the basis of a balanced intake.

The Phases

There are three phases to the plan: weight loss phase, stabilization phase, and maintenance phase.

Weight Loss Phase

As the name implies, this is the period of time weight loss is experienced, or should be experienced. Calorie consumption is restricted the most during this phase and exercise plays a pivotal role in the success of the phase. It is during this phase that a member meets with his or her counselor three times a week for a 10-15 minute check-in. During this brief encounter, counselors offer support via motivation, reinforcement, and reminders. This phase lasts for as long as it takes to meet the weight loss goal.

Stabilization Phase

This phase of the plan requires two appointments per week. Similar to the weight loss phase, cues and reminders, as well as monitoring of weight occurs at each visit. This phase lasts for 6 weeks.

Maintenance Phase

A once a week visit winds down the program. It is at this time that weight management for a lifetime is addressed.

Pros of the Program

• Based on foods from supermarket
• Eating out is manageable, even at fast food establishments
• Meal plans include favorite foods
• Teaches portion control and healthy cooking tips
• No group meetings
• Individual support and motivation
• Appropriate for anyone (single, married, family, working, at home)
• No calorie counting
• Alcohol beverages allowed at three drinks per week
• Caffeine not restricted
• Vegetarian plans available

The Catches

• Can be relatively strict during weight loss phase
• Costly at $5 - $9 per week plus additional cost for products
• Payment for entire program is due upfront
• Counselors are not health professionals
• LA Lites (snack bars) and weight loss enhancers/supplements highly recommended for guaranteed weight loss and relatively expensive
• Counselors paid commission on sales of products – can be pushy
• Frequent trips to the center - may be inconvenient

Does It Work?

Yes, L.A. Weight Loss does promote weight loss when followed as directed, and in a relatively safe manner. However, any diet that dictates less than 1,200 calories per day as adequate nutritional intake is not healthy and should be questioned. The program claims a weight loss at a rate of two pounds per week, which is safe and healthy. You can receive a no obligation free consultation at 1-800-331-4035. You can ask your questions during this call, but also be prepared for a possible sales pitch too.

Words of Caution

With strong marketing slogans and promising testimonials, L.A. Weight Loss is a magnet for the perennial dieter. This is not as much a “revolutionary” weight loss plan as it is a similar program that is offered from a nutritionist. While the program is relatively safe and effective, be prepared for the normal unfriendly experiences of any diet, such as plateaus in weight loss, a certain amount of cravings for restricted foods, and intense disciplinary and behavioral modification actions. Adding the plan’s weight loss enhancers, specifically the snack bars and supplements, seems to guarantee weight loss, but read labels carefully for any ingredients that may cause medical issues or health conditions for you.

By the way, L.A. Weight Loss headquarters are located in Horsham, PA. And, as with most commercial diet plans, L.A. Weight Loss is available in at "at-home" version as well.