Making sure that the doctor supervising your case is American Medical Association and American College of Preventive Medicine accredited is the most important point you need to consider when choosing the right weight loss program. You have to make sure that you are putting your health in the hands of a qualified physician when selecting a weight loss clinic. Choosing an effective weight loss program is one thing; but choosing an effective and safe weight loss plan is another thing.

The proliferation of fake prescription medications over the internet is an ongoing problem in healthcare. With that in mind, if prescription weight loss medications are part of your weight loss program, then receiving safe weight loss medications is extremely important. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings about the existence of fake weight loss clinics that dispose fake medications to their clients. To save yourself from possible harm, check the clinic’s license. If you can’t confirm whether that weight loss clinic is licensed, that is a big red flag. Once you are sure the weight loss clinic you want to use is licensed, also make sure that the clinic (1) releases a valid prescription from their in-house doctor; and (2) has access to a licensed pharmacist that can answer your questions.

Being managed by a well-trained, certified staff does not only give you peace of mind when doing a weight loss program, it also helps you make sure that you are doing a program that is safe for your health. Anyone can give weight loss advice, but it takes qualified clinic staff to give you expert advice on the subject of healthy weight loss.

When choosing a weight loss clinic, listen to your instincts. Do you feel uneasy with their professionalism, their weight loss programs, or the clinic as a whole? Did you check online reviews – what do other clients have to say about the clinic? Were they able to lose weight safely and effectively? Do they provide the coaching, knowledge, and tools to be successful over the long term? The opinions and experiences of these previous clients may be subjective, but by listening to what they have to say you gain insight about whether you are choosing a good weight loss program from an ethical and professional weight loss clinic or not.

So, let’s assume that you’ve found a medical weight loss clinic that fits the criteria above. (It is licensed. The clinic uses a licensed pharmacy. The staff members are all well-trained and certified, and the doctor supervising the program is accredited) – there is another important consideration. Now, the question is this: Is this clinic reasonably accessible from your office or from your home and does it have convenient hours of operation? Most weight loss clinics require weekly weigh-ins and visits to ensure that their clients are sticking to their weight loss programs. Therefore, accessibility to the weight loss clinic you choose is important if you want to get the support you need to be successful.

There are likely other factors you may personally need to consider when choosing a good weight loss clinic. But, sticking to the five principles listed above is essential if your goal is to lose the weight safely and effectively.