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LA Weight Loss |
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Introduction & Overview |
There are many diet centers and plans available to consumers, and LA Weight Loss is one of the most publicized weight loss plans in the country. We are fairly sure that most consumers have seen their new adverting campaign, in which Whoopi Goldberg has become the new spokeswoman for this plan and has apparently lost oodles of weight. No doubt Ms. Goldberg benefited from some special attention from the people at LA Weight loss, so the real question is can it work for average dieters, who are not a celebrities, and who have a very busy lifestyle all while engaging in a weight loss plan.
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| Pros |
• Offers a structured weight loss plan
• No prepackaged foods to buy
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| Cons |
• Some consumers report that centers use a hard sell approach
• Must purchase company’s “lites” more on this below
• No free trial offer at time of review
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| Concepts |
The LA Weight loss plan is based on flexibility and transportability, which means that they have created a plan, which they believe will allow users to take it where ever they go – home, office and social functions. It is also based on commonly found nutritional standards that are used by many of their competitors, in which users are taught to eat in a more balanced way.
However, unlike other plans such as Weight Watchers they do not sell prepackage foods, but they do sell “Lites”, which are soy protein bars. “Lites” are also available at LA Weight Loss Centers and online in shakes, hot chocolate and soups. Users of this plan are required to eat or drink two “lites” per day during the weight loss phase of this plan, and one per day when the user progresses to the maintenance phase. The “lites” are supposed to augment weight loss, but users of this plan request that they be given an “all food plan” if they do not want to buy the bars, which can be rather pricy.
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| Design |
LA Weight Loss is not a low carb diet, and it is not high on carbs either. It is a structured weight loss plan based on a concept that uses “exchanges” to help users maintain a balance diet every day. They utilize a model which incorporates smaller portions, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, limited fats and oils. Portion control and learning to eat appropriate portions is a big part of this plan, as it is in many other plans. This is in no way a new concept, but it is one, which is known to work somewhat.
The LA Weight loss has two options available-online and a center based option. Those consumers who do well with a “weigh in” may find their trips to the center helpful. They can also get in person support there, which can be very helpful to some consumers who need the “personal touch” to stay on track. Also, if they have any questions they can ask the counselor while they are there.
The online version is basically suited for those who don’t want to actually go to the center, which of course can be extremely time consuming. The online version offers consumers access to a dietitian, to meal planners and recipes, as well as interactive food diaries and restaurant guides. Regardless of which option users choose this plan is broken down into three phases – “Weight loss, Stabilization and Maintenance”. The duration of each phase is contingent upon your goal weight, your staring weight and how well you adhere to the plan.
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| Cost |
On the LA Weight loss website the prices are not stated up front, which was a development we found to be rather troubling. We believe that consumers should have access to this information early on in the process, so they know exactly how a plan will impact their pocket book. The online at home version of this plan will cost users around $249, which includes a four week supply of the “lites”. They are currently advertising an eight week make over for $5 per week on their website for the center based option. LA weight loss is not a pay as you go plan, it is a pay up front plan. This is something to keep in mind when you sign up. Also, the “lites” tend to be pricey and can cost as much as $20-$30 per week depending upon how many you eat and if the center is running a special or not.
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| Conclusion |
Some consumers have achieved weight loss with the LA Weight loss program, while others have thrown up their hands and moved on because it failed them. However, this is not a surprise, because we rarely come across a weight loss plan, which can generate across the boards results in users. We always suggest consumers have a good idea of what they are looking for and how much they want to spend prior to engaging in negotiations with a center based weight loss plan. This way they don’t end up over spending.
Frankly, we ended up wishing that LA Weight loss had offered consumers a free trial, so they could get a better idea of what this plan involves, because their website only provided limited information, which left more questions than answers. In fact those, who want to really want to know about this plan before joining, will more than likely have to do some extensive outside research, just as we did. A free trial, would have alleviates some of the confusion. In fact many of the most results oriented plans and products have begun offering free trials, because they really believe that their product works.
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