Thousands of hopeful dieters make a resolution to lose with the help of professional nutritionists and fitness experts. LA Weight Loss programs (now called Pure Weight Loss in many parts of the country) are designed for people who are simply too busy to do research about diets and exercise, and would prefer a step-by-step plan that includes coaching to reach their weight loss goals. LA Weight Loss has become a popular fitness and nutrition chain around the U.S., and continues to grow with new clinics opening on a monthly basis. But how effective are the weight loss and fitness programs from an LA Weight Loss center, and are they worth the investment?

The Goal of LA Weight Loss

LA Weight Loss centers are designed to help people lose weight and reach their health and fitness goals. The program outlines a step-by-step diet and offers tips and suggestions for losing weight in different situations. Cookbooks, recipes, menu ideas, and nutritional supplements are all a part of the program, and are one convenient option for dieters who have difficulty with designing a healthy meal plan on their own.

Weekly counseling sessions provide the support that many dieters need as they work through their diet obstacles; the program can also be completed at home, with online access to articles, motivational tips, and tutorials that can help make the weight loss challenge that much easier.

How LA Weight Loss Programs are Designed

LA Weight Loss programs are offered through a franchise, and anyone interested in the field can sign up to become a franchisee and build their own business team. Each clinic offers counseling sessions, nutritional guidance, and promotes a wellness philosophy. Centers can be found all around the United States, and also sell many weight loss and nutritional supplements as part of the healthy menu program. Customized menus are one of the highlights of LA Weight Loss centers, as these help people take control of their weekly grocery trips and create new menus that support their goals.

The website contains a database of healthy recipes, articles, and motivational tips for anyone who is trying to lose weight. It also features an LA Scoop eNewsletter for the latest news and events at a local center, and participants can schedule an appointment online. Anyone can start with a free, no-obligation consultation to find out if LA Weight Loss is a good fit.

Average Costs of LA Weight Loss

While eating prepared foods and taking supplements is not required, it is highly recommended as part of the program. The aggressive sales tactics have come under scrutiny by many consumer groups, especially since the supplements are much more expensive than most foods and prepared diet foods on the market. The sale of these products is commission-based so the centers heavily promote each product and encourage participants to buy as much as possible. One month's supply of nutritional products and supplements can easily reach into the $150-$300 range, so this is an added cost to the ‘regular' food needed as part of the program. While the counselors are trained to serve as weight loss guides and provide nutrition and fitness information, they are not professional nutritionists or social workers.

Bottom Line: LA Weight Loss Centers (now Pure Weight Loss) have been involved with a variety of settlements involving ‘false advertising' and misrepresentation of the actual costs of the program. Since dieters are encourage to buy food and supplements through the program, it may require an ongoing financial commitment that few people can keep up with. The weekly counseling sessions and online support are part of the program's ‘tools,' but there are plenty of free options available on the web today that simulate the same process. Sites such as eDiets.com, and many health/fitness blogs and websites offer the same information and support, without the pressure of buying products.

Anyone interested in losing weight on a budget can turn to online websites, forums, and blogs for the information they need, and follow a sensible eating plan on their own. Professional nutritionists can help a dieter get on the right track, but the responsibility of losing weight for the long term rests on the individual---and not necessarily on a ‘magic formula' or revolutionary program.