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Islets of Hope healthy living for persons with diabetes |
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Editorial feature by Lahle Wolfe Information About Specific Weight Loss Center-Based Jenny Craig This is a for-profit information site where consumers can submit short articles rating programs and centers. Bear in mind that information submitted to this site is by persons who may be opinionated. However, there is a long list of diets and programs discussed that if nothing else, will give you broard information about centers and programs that may help you to ask the right kinds of questions before signing contracts. National Institute of Health Weight Control Article Links
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Healthy Eating for Diabetes main Lifestyle page Center-Based Weight Loss Programs Also, see:
About the Program Weight Watchers has come a long way from the days of "Quick Start," a very low-fat, low-calorie "jump start" plan. They have revamped their point system, now called Flex Points and also accept persons with type 2 diabetes into their program (in the past, diabetics were excluded). Although they do not have a program designed specifically for diabetics, and do not offer special counseling or support for metabolic disorders, they have an alternative plan to Flex Points that could work well for the metabolically challenged; their "Core Plan." Weight Watchers "Core Plan," is based on a list of foods that you can choose from to plan your daily food plan. The list is basically low-glycemic foods that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and slow-release, longer acting carbs. The Flex Points plan uses a system of counting foods by points instead of calories (although the point calculations pre-determined by Weight Watchers are based on calories, fat content, and fiber). This makes pulling meals together fairly simple. They also make accommodations in their plan to account for the level of exercise an individual does and for eating out. Drawbacks and Considerations They do not offer a specific plan or support for persons with type 2 diabetes (however, they have a low-glycemic plan). As with any commitment plan, be sure you understand the refund policies of the company with whom you are contracting services. From the Weight Watcher's Website: ..."E. Except for multiple-period prepayment plans, your failure to satisfy limitations we set based on demographic, geographic, health or other similar criteria, or if we terminate your subscription to one of our Fee-Based Products prior to the end of the applicable period, you agree that all fees and charges assessed by us are nonrefundable. Nonrefundable fees include the Sign Up Fee, and the full Monthly Fee for any month (or portion thereof) elapsed (regardless of whether you logged onto our Website or used the Fee-Based Product during that month). If you subscribe to a prepayment plan for multiple periods (e.g, a 3-month prepayment plan) and you decide to cancel during such prepayment period, we will refund you the difference, if any, between the amount you paid and the amount you would have incurred if you were subject to our standard pricing in effect during such time and not subject to our special pricing offered through any prepayment plan. If your cancellation of your subscription to one of our Fee-Based Products is due to your failure to satisfy limitations we set based on demographic, geographic, health or other similar criteria prior to the end of a period for which you have incurred a charge, with the exception of any fixed upfront fee (such as the Sign Up Fee), we will refund any unused portion of such period in accordance with the refund policy we have in effect at such time. If we cancel or terminate your subscription to one of our Fee-Based Products (as opposed to you canceling your subscription) prior to the end of a period for which you have incurred a charge, with the exception of any fixed upfront fee (such as the Sign Up Fee), we will refund any unused portion of such period on a pro rata basis. "In other words, if you are not near a support meeting center, if one dissolves, or if you do not disclaim medical conditions, they are not required to refund your payment. This not necessarily an unfair refund policy, but make sure you understand what your program support needs are in advance (how close are meetings, for example) and call their 800 number if you have questions about medical issues before signing on for their program. Pluses I contacted Weight Watchers on several occasions. Each phone representative was honest about persons with medical conditions that might not be suited to the plan and plan limitations. All representatives I spoke with recommended discussing any Weight Watchers plan ahead of time with a physician if you have type 2 diabetes. At no point in any of my phone conversations inquiring about the plan and even during a free visit "Be our Guest" was there any pressure to join their program. Because their two plan types are so different, Weight Watchers offered to me the opportunity to try one plan first, and if it did not work, I could switch to another plan for free. Their face-to-face support meetings offer instruction in daily eating habits, how to make the program work for you, and they teach coping skills. Members are allowed to discuss their ups and downs and the support environment seems structured but casual. They offer two different plans that are easily adapted to individual needs and tastes (this responsibility is largely left up to the client but Weight Watchers staff will help you make informed decisions). They offer life-long membership for meeting and maintaining goal weight. However, the goal that was suggested for me was 10 lbs below what I am personally comfortable with and would have a hard time maintaining given my metabolic challenges. Before letting you join they specifically ask if you have an active diagnosis of bulimia. If you answer yes, they will not let you join. I do not view this as discriminatory, but a recognition on the part of Weight Watcher's that persons with eating disorders need assistance that they do not feel qualified to provide.
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