March 13, 2008--It's pretty obvious- some of the keys to successful weight loss are proper diet, behavior modification and physical activity. These components will help you lose weight safely and effectively.

According to Leslie E. Carter, RD, LD/N, Dietitian/Nutritionist, |medi|, "It is sometimes difficult for people who are trying to lose weight to develop a healthy eating plan, because not all diets are created equal. For example, I recommend that our patients incorporate low glycemic index fruits and vegetables into their diet of healthy eating, emphasizing foods rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants," Carter said. Dietitians have the education and training in the field of weight management and are able to provide to patients information on the nutritional aspects of foods, energy restriction, dietary changes, exercise and behavior modification. Nutrition is central to behavioral approaches for weight loss.

A registered dietitian can be a valuable resource for people looking to lose weight because they can make sure that the foods recommended for weight loss provide adequate nutrition and recommend dietary supplements if necessary. A dietitian can play an important role by helping patients to develop reasonable goals that can be met and sustained with healthy eating. Some states, such as Florida, require that weight loss programs involve a registered dietitian in developing their recommended diets.

Dietitians have degrees in the field of nutrition and dietetics and can help people understand the complexity of nutrition and dieting. Upon completion of a successful internship program, dietitians must pass a national exam given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and become licensed depending upon the various state laws.

"For our patients at |medi|, I develop eating plans for our patients that our physicians individualize to meet a patient's specific needs. For example, the physician may alter a patient's calorie level for a person who is very obese or has special dietary needs. Physicians, working with dietitians, can ensure that all aspects of a person's weight loss program are being managed in a safe and effective manner," Carter said.

Current trends in dieting make the input of a dietitian increasingly important, according to Edward Zbella, M.D., Medical Director of |medi|.

"Millions of Americans are dieting at any given time, because being overweight or obese is becoming a widespread national epidemic. We see patients who have tried every conceivable diet, often without consideration of the nutritional impact or health consequences. The input of a Registered Dietitian helps to improve patient success and achieve the goal of lifelong maintenance of a healthful weight," Zbella said.

|medi| is a physician-supervised weight loss program that helps patients lose up to 5 to 10 pounds the first week and up to 20 pounds the first month. The mission of |medi| is to teach everyone how to reach and maintain their personal health goals. |medi|' physicians and staff provide a three-step, individualized weight loss program, including FDA-approved appetite suppressants, dietary supplements, injections and vitamins along with nutritional and exercise counseling. |medi| can assist individuals in shedding unwanted pounds rapidly and then keeping them off.

To find the location nearest you, call 1-877-MED-LOSS, or visit the website at www.mediweightlossclinics.com. For information on opening a clinic, please contact the Business Development Department at 1-866-551-MEDI.