What Participating Providers Must Tell Consumers

Program Components Staff Qualifications Risks Costs Advice on Weight Maintenance Required Information

Program Components What foods are eaten? How many calories? Are there physical activity guidelines? Are there any drugs, dietary supplements, or devices used?

Example Disclosure "Community Hospital Obesity Clinic" Program Components Medically supervised weight loss program for severe disorders related to obesity or whose obesity places them at risk Includes optional low or very low-calorie diet plans, exercise, and lifestyle education Protein supplement diet formula used to substitute for regular meals and a multi-vitamin supplement Program success rates Voluntary Guidelines

Staff Qualifications Training Experience Credentials Type of attention Frequency of attention

Voluntary Guidelines Example Disclosure: Staff Qualifications One physician board-certified in endocrinology Two registered nurses (RN) Three registered dietitians (RD) One masters level exercise physiologist One clinical psychologist (Ph.D.) *Patients visit with the dietitians and exercise physiologist. Other professional staff are available for consultation if professional intervention is indicated.

Risks Health risks of being overweight or obese Improvements from modest weight loss

Example of Risk Disclosure Overweight or obese at increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, some forms of cancer, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis and sleep apnea Health risks may be reduced by losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight, which is 10 to 20 pounds for a 200-pound person

Risks Drugs Devices Dietary supplements Exercise plans

Risks Medical conditions/medications Rapid weight loss Very low calorie diets Physical changes

Costs Membership fees Periodic attendance fees Food Meal replacements Dietary supplements Discretionary costs (i.e., medical tests) Optional costs (i.e., maintenance program, re-entry fees)

Mandatory charges: One-Time Entry Fee Weekly Meeting Attendance Average (approximate) cost of food per week Nutritional Supplements (30 day supply) Discretionary additional charges Blood tests, Physician Exam, EKG Optional additional charges (if client chooses) ALL COSTS NON-REFUNDABLE Cost Example: "BYE-BYE BMI Weight Loss Centers"

Success Rates Percentage completing program Amount of weight lost Amount of weight loss maintained

Example “Patients under Dr. Doe's weight loss treatment lost, on average, 17.5 pounds, and after 18 months, they kept off 55 percent of their weight loss. This measurement includes all patients who remained in active weight loss for at least three weeks.” Text from Web site

Advice on Weight Maintenance

Example “Long-term weight maintenance can be enhanced by frequent and regular physical activity of at least moderate intensity and eating according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (reducing total calories, fat consumption, and increasing vegetables, fruits and whole grains).”

What if Providers Don’t Give Full Disclosure? Contact Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 877-FTC-HELP