Weight loss programs and diet plans abound. For many people, weight loss is a constant struggle, a battle fought for months or even years. Half of that battle is finding a good program that works for you. 

Weight loss programs work in one of two ways: either through carefully planned, pre-packaged meals that contain the correct amount of calories and nutrition or through a points system and support group with weekly meetings. 

Here are four of the most popular weight loss programs: 

If you need structure but don’t want to weigh and measure food or worry about counting points, try Medifast. Medifast offers several different types of shakes, soups and cereals that count as five small meals throughout the day, plus one meal you prepare yourself comprised of lean meat and vegetables. Automatic zone delivery brings your program right to your doorstep every two or four weeks.

Nutrisystem is getting a lot of publicity these days and rightly so. As with Medifast, this program consists of prepackaged meals but uses “real food” instead of soups and shakes. For those who need less structure but need to learn portion control, Nutrisystem is perfect. Nutrisystem also works well as a transition program when you’ve reached your goal weight on a program like Medifast, gently acclimating you to food again.

Jenny Craig is a program enjoying a revival. Jenny Craig uses a combination of pre-packaged foods and weekly meetings with a counselor to monitor your progress and help you reach your weight loss program goals.

Weight Watchers is one of the oldest weight loss programs around. Weight Watchers requires you to use your own food and plan your meals on a points system. Each type of food is designated a specific number of points. Based on how much weight you need to lose and your activity level, you receive a certain amount of points to spend throughout the day. You are also required to attend weekly meetings for group discussion and have your progress tracked by one of their counselors. 

Keep in mind that none of these programs magically make the weight disappear. Exercise and dedication need to be a part of your program too.

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