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UPDATE: As of December 2007, Pure Weight Loss Inc., formerly known as L.A. Weight Loss Centers, voluntarily filed for bankruptcy and announced it would be halting operations in January 2008 and would be shutting down its more than 400 weight loss centers.
"LA Weight Loss clients are basically paying for a lot of common sense nutritional advice about portion control and recipes."
The LA Weight Loss plan, a center-based program, promises to help you shed two pounds a week, using a system of tailored diet plans and one-on-one counseling. After filling out a personal questionaire meant to help you construct a personalized program, you're then instructed on what to eat and how to create healthy meals using store-bought foods (although they also urge clients to purchase their own personal line of nutritional supplements.) Once signed up, you are expected to visit one of their weight-loss centers three times a week for an in-person check-up with a counselor.
LA Weight Loss has a three-stage approach: The first, their "jumpstart program," places you on a high-protein plan for several days. After that, you'll restrict your caloric intake to between 1,100 and 1,800 calories daily, depending on your weight-loss goal. The second stage is a six-week period that gradually lets you add more calories. The final stage reintroduces previously banned foods (such as sweets), but requires visits with a counselor on a regular basis.
Online:
LA Weight Loss
Fitness expert Myatt Murphy is the author of the best-selling books, The Body You Want in the Time You Have, Ultimate Dumbbell Guide and The Men's Health Gym Bible.
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Our Reviewer Says ...
"LA Weight Loss clients are basically paying for a lot of common sense nutritional advice about portion control and recipes."
At a Glance
The LA Weight Loss plan, a center-based program, promises to help you shed two pounds a week, using a system of tailored diet plans and one-on-one counseling. After filling out a personal questionaire meant to help you construct a personalized program, you're then instructed on what to eat and how to create healthy meals using store-bought foods (although they also urge clients to purchase their own personal line of nutritional supplements.) Once signed up, you are expected to visit one of their weight-loss centers three times a week for an in-person check-up with a counselor.
LA Weight Loss has a three-stage approach: The first, their "jumpstart program," places you on a high-protein plan for several days. After that, you'll restrict your caloric intake to between 1,100 and 1,800 calories daily, depending on your weight-loss goal. The second stage is a six-week period that gradually lets you add more calories. The final stage reintroduces previously banned foods (such as sweets), but requires visits with a counselor on a regular basis.
Checklist
- Cost: Expensive. It's one of the priciest diets available. The program touts its low weekly fee of $5 to $8. But what they don't tell you is that you must pay for the whole year when you sign up. Participants could easily spend $350 on the first day. If you opt to purchase their line of food products and supplements, your yearly expenses could run into the thousands
- Meals Provided: None, although their line of supplements, including their exclusive line of 'LA Lite' weight loss bars, juices and shakes, are strongly recommended.
- Diet Duration: The first stage lasts until you reach your target weight. Stage two is a six-week period. Stage three is a lifetime commitment.
- Fitness Requirements: Although they do advise that being active can help you reach your goals faster, they don't design anything specifically for clients.
- Time Commitment: Moderate. You're encouraged to visit a center frequently for weigh-ins, advice and support. You're also instructed to keep a food diary as well.
- Eating Out: Definitely doable. The basic meal suggestions they make are general enough to allow you to find choices on most menus. They also offer lists of sound meal choices to make at many major fast-food and popular restaurant chains.
- Alcohol: It's allowed, but the maximum amount you can have is one drink at a time, three times a week.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Yes. They do offer a variety of meal suggestions tailored for vegans, such as BBQ tofu and eggplant parmigiana.
- Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Strict.
More Info
Online:
LA Weight Loss
Fitness expert Myatt Murphy is the author of the best-selling books, The Body You Want in the Time You Have, Ultimate Dumbbell Guide and The Men's Health Gym Bible.
