title: The cost of losing: an analysis of commercial weight-loss programs in a metropolitan area.
abstract: Thirty-four million adult Americans are obese (greater than 30% above ideal body weight). 1990 national Health Objectives state that 50% of all adults should adopt weight-loss and exercise regimes. This recommendation has caused a dramatic surge in the number and variety of weight-loss programs currently available. A parallel surge has occurred in the cost of these weight-loss programs. This wide variation in personal expenditure (and treatment provided) necessitates a review of the programs and their cost to the participant. The cost of a 12-week outpatient commercial weight-loss program can range from $2,120 for the most expensive very low-calorie diet program to $108 for the least expensive nutrient-balanced hypocaloric diet program. This article reviews 11 commercial diet programs in the Boston area and analyzes the out-of-pocket cost paid to the clinic by the participant to lose 1 kg on each program. Given the complexity of treatment to achieve long-term weight control, knowledge of financial obligations is important.
authors.affiliation: Nutrition Coordinating Center, New England Deaconess Hospital, Boston.
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Spielman
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kanders
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kienholz
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Blackburn
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000191:economics; D001900:Boston; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000191:economics*; D004045:Dietary Services / Q000191:economics*; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005526:Food, Formulated / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000191:economics; D015431:Weight Loss