Non-Clinical Weight Loss Programs

Programs, which may be offered by commercial weight loss businesses, that offer structured diets, generally in combination with a program of physical activity, as a means of losing weight. The program may offer the services of counselors (who usually are not health care providers and may or may not have training) to help participants implement the program; provide access to books, pamphlets and websites (which should be prepared or reviewed by health care providers) as sources of weight-loss information; and may require participants to use prepackaged meals and/or supplements such as bars and shakes or other weight-loss products provided by the program.