There are so many opportunities to find support when you want to lose weight and regain your healthy body. Something you may be interested to know is that you are better to be overweight and fit than slim and unfit.

So what are you really looking for? Of course any pound or kilo lighter is less strain on your bones and your joints. Just think how much carrying a few litres or a gallon of milk feels?? It doesn’t exactly feel like something you want to carry a long way. With this in mind let us go back to thinking about weight management programs. What would support you the most in your journey? Some people want their meals planned out for them or even prepared, some people need to have some boundaries, some need to simply know they have committed to something and therefore they better do something about so it is not ‘wasted’. Others need education about what they really need to do or to get some feedback on where they can make the most effective changes in their daily routine. Some need that one on one support – that they know that they will be checked up  on (a substitute for your conscience), some just need someone to help celebrate along the way and to refind their focus when it seems challenging.

So what do you look for in a program? Cost is often a factor and what do you get for your money. Lack of affordability of some programs simply keeps some people away. Consider the real cost of the program and the real benefit. How much are YOU worth?? Part of the cost can lie in the self doubt that can exist around being able to stay on the program and to get the results.  If you can believe within yourself that this is what you really want you will get the results. You also need to believe you are worth it. You don’t need the added burden of carrying guilt around on how much you have spent.

So what is available? In the Australian market a number of weight management programs have flooded the market. Originally Optifast was the first shake based product readily available. It works on a very low calorie diet and it does work very well at shedding weight quickly. Ideal if you need to lose weight leading up to surgery or to get a kick start on your journey. The affordability of these shakes are good but there is no individual support to keep you motivated. Your pharmacist is always available if you have any questions.

One on one support programs include Tony Ferguson – the first very successful program widely available in Australia. Tony Ferguson is a pharmacist who originally designed the program to use in his own pharmacy.  This program works on putting you into a mild ketosis with the use of shakes and a protein and vegetable based diet which enables you to shed some weight fairly quickly and safely.  They have a wide variety of flavours including soups available in their shake range. The successes of this program are widely available on the Forum available on their website. The information provided within the progrm is very good. The program is administered predominantly by naturopaths or dieticians and the level of knowledge is excellent.

Other programs available include Xndo, Kate Morgan, Betty Baxter and Success. To date the format is predominantly the same – a shake base with one on one support. Activity is encouraged to get the best results and to create a healthier base. The delivery of these programs is predominantly by pharmacy assistants and pharmacists.  Xndo has been developed by a Doctor in Asia and has been available over there for some time. The product range currently includes a few different sweet shake flavours and some behaviour based drinks to substitute for sweet drink options such as soft drinks or cordials. The products are based on natural ingredients and contain medium chain triglycerides designed to help you feel ‘full’.

The opportunity to receive support in these programs is good. It is cost effective as once the initial sign up fee is paid (usually $10 to $25)  access to the information and support becomes accessible on a weekly basis if needed. The key is to find the knowledge and support level you need and someone you feel comfortable with to discuss what you are experiencing. Being based in community pharmacies also enables a ready access point to purchase more product and to access a quick bit of information if you need it.

Generally these programs once signed up allow you to purchase your shakes or other products as you need them. Most shakes cost around $3.50 per sachet. The first few days of the programs may have you feeling a little hungry depending on how rigid you want to be. This is normal and will settle down after a couple of days. You may also get a headache as your blood sugar levels come down and this is normal.

A coach can work to support you through any of these programs or if you want to go it alone, or use Optifast or a similar product.

It is wise to have a health check with your practitioner before embarking on these programs and if anything is uncertain it needs to be cleared with your doctor. These programs will support most people to enable them to lose weight. It depends on how quickly you want to do it as to which program you may choose. The important thing is to connect well with the person you talk to so you feel supported on your path.

I welcome any comments regarding information that you would like or to hear what would support you the most in finding a healthier you.