feature famous sports figures who say they’ve lost
weight using the plan. It is intended to satisfy a larger
appetite using foods like pizza, hot dogs, and potatoes.
Men can use the plan by going into one of the LA
Weight Loss Centers or by joining online. Like the
regular plan, it uses one-on-one counseling to design
a personalized weight loss strategy. Also like the reg-
ular plan, ‘‘The Man Plan’’ allows dieters to eat at
restaurants and prepare meals using foods available
at the supermarket.Legal troubles
LA Weight Loss Centers, Inc. has been involved
in several legal disputes. In 2002, New York State
Attorney General Eliot Spitzer reached a settlement
with the company over allegations that they made
false claims about the cost of their weight loss pro-
gram, were slow to issue refunds, and had not posted
the bond required from health club service providers.
The company was ordered to pay a civil penalty of
$100,000, issue refunds to New York State customers
who did not receive them, post a $275,000 bond, and
cease misrepresenting the true cost of the program. In
2005, Washington State Attorney General Rob
McKenna reached a settlement with the company
over similar allegations. In that case, LA Weight
Loss Centers were required to pay up to $800,000 in
reimbursements to Washington customers and a sep-
arate fine to be used for consumer education. In nei-
ther case did the company admit any wrong doing.Function
LA Weight Loss Centers are intended to provide a
source of support and guidance to those who want tolose weight and maintain good health. They are
designed to provide one-on-one support for dieters,
as well as help dieters design diet and exercise plans
tailored to their specific needs and lifestyle.Benefits
There are many benefits to losing weight, being
more healthy, and being more fit. The benefits of
weight loss can be very significant, as many diseases
and disorders, such as diabetes, are associated with
being obese. The more overweight a person is, gener-
ally the greater their risk is for getting these diseases.
Weight loss, if achieved at a moderate pace through a
healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk of
these and other obesity-related diseases. Increased
exercise can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular
diseases, and can improve overall health.
The LA Weight Loss Center’s program may have
additional benefits for some people. Because the pro-
gram is designed around the dieter meeting one-on-
one with counselors, this may help some people stay
on track to achieve their desired weight loss goals. This
also means that counselors may be able to help the
dieter design diet and exercise plans that center around
the dieter’s favorite foods or activities, or are designed
to be able to fit into the dieter’s busy schedule.Precautions
Anyone thinking of beginning a new diet or exer-
cise program should consult a doctor or other medical
practitioner. Requirements of calories, fat, and
nutrients can differ from person to person, depending
on gender, age, weight, and many other factors such as
the presence of any disease or conditions. Pregnant or
breastfeedingwomen should be especially cautious
because they may need increased amounts ofvitamins
andminerals, and deficiencies can be harmful for a
baby. Exercising too strenuously or beginning a rig-
orous exercise program too suddenly can lead to an
increased risk of injury. Dieters should be advised that
consultants for LA Weight Loss are not required to
have certifications in personal fitness or nutrition.
This means that dieters may want to consult other
sources in addition to their counselors.Risks
With any diet and exercise plan there are some
risks. It can be difficult for a dieter to get enough
vitamins and minerals when eating a limited diet. Any-
one beginning a diet may want to consult their physi-
cian about whether taking a vitamin or supplement
might help them reduce this risk. Supplements haveKEY TERMS
Dietary supplement—A product, such as a vitamin,
mineral, herb, amino acid, or enzyme, that is
intended to be consumed in addition to an individ-
ual’s diet with the expectation that it will improve
health.
Mineral—An inorganic substance found in the
earth that is necessary in small quantities for the
body to maintain a health. Examples: zinc, copper,
iron.
Vitamin—A nutrient that the body needs in small
amounts to remain healthy but that the body cannot
manufacture for itself and must acquire through
diet.LA Weight Loss program