EN helps you find a weight-loss program to fit your style

If dropping holiday pounds is on your "to do" list for the new year, the good news is that you've got plenty of options for help among both new and long-established weight-loss programs. While diet books have become bestsellers by blaming carbohydrates for expanding waistlines, the reality is that cutting carbs may help you lose weight initially, but it does not guarantee you'll keep those unwanted pounds off. What does? Finding a weight-loss strategy that fits your lifestyle and dieting personality.

Weight-loss companies have come to realize that dieters have diverse needs and preferences, and many programs now offer more than one approach to losing weight. Some require buying prepackaged foods and supplements; others base food plans on store-bought foods. Many center-based programs offer additional online support. For those who don't want to share the weight-loss experience in person, strictly online programs are also available.

On pages 4 and 5, EN evaluates nine popular weight-loss options to help you find one that's right for you.
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What's Your Dieting Style? To find a good match, you first need to know what kind of dieter you are:

Do you prefer convenience to cooking? If so, programs like Jenny Craig and NutriSystem that use prepackaged, portion-controlled meals might work for you. Realize, though, that convenience adds to the cost and eventually you'll need to learn how to manage your weight eating foods you make yourself.

Are you comfortable sharing your weight-loss experience with others? If in-person motivation and support suit you, then consider attending Overeaters Anonymous, Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) or Weight Watchers meetings. If you want group support in the comfort of your own home, try eDiets. This online program lets you choose from more than 100 support groups, provides chat rooms and offers online meetings with experts.

Do you prefer one-on-one counseling? If you want an individualized plan or have medical concerns, your best bet is to contact a registered dietitian (R.D.). You might also consider NutriSystem, which has advisors who are health professionals. Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss Centers and Diet Center also offer individual counseling, but mostly by former clients. Jenny Craig counselors, however, do go through an extensive training program.

Know Program Basics. After you've matched your dieting style to the option that best suits you, find out important details before joining. For example:

* Does the program include exercise? Does it provide exercise instruction and illustrations? Curves fitness centers, which we did not review here in detail, offers women time-efficient circuit training and cardio workouts, but you can skip the carbohydrate-sensitive diet plan, which is too restrictive.

* Are you able to fit the program into your lifestyle? If you travel or eat out often, can you still follow the program?

* Does the program help you make positive behavioral changes? Does it address social eating strategies and the emotional aspects of eating?