How much does it cost to lose 30 pounds?
By Michelle Warren • Bankrate.com

With summer on the horizon, our thoughts turn to the obvious -- how can I lose 10, 20 or 30 pounds before swimsuit season? As panic sets in, ads featuring before and after shots of weight-loss success stories capture the imagination and we muse: "If Mike Bullard lost 30 pounds in seven weeks, why can't I?"

Despite studies saying North Americans are getting fatter every year, people are obsessed with weight loss, and the business of losing weight has ballooned into a $43 billion industry. How much would you be willing to spend to lose 30 pounds?

There is no shortage of options when it comes to weight-loss programs. The key is finding one that fits your lifestyle and budget. Of course, you could always go the old-fashioned route, reducing calories and increasing exercise, but many dieters need the added structure and support, not to mention the accountability (there's nothing like a little public humiliation to keep you motivated) that accompanies an organized program.

But paying someone to keep you on the straight and narrow isn't cheap. Here's a quick look at a handful of popular programs and the costs involved.

Dr. Bernstein Health and Diet Clinics
One of the biggest draws is that clients can expect to lose between 16 and 20 pounds a month. Such rapid weight loss will undoubtedly keep you motivated, which is good because there's no room for cheating. The diet is extremely strict (about 500 to 800 calories) and allows next to no carbohydrates. Clients visit the office three to five times a week for weigh-ins and vitamins B6 and B12 injections. Dieters also take a multivitamin ($16 for 60) and four calcium-potassium supplements ($16 for 100) a day.

The idea is to put your body into a state called ketosis, which basically means you're living off your own fat supply instead of the energy normally provided by food. This type of rapid weight loss is not without risk. As a result, the diet is medically supervised.

It's $315.65 for the initial consultation, which includes a diet diary, recipe book and one week of shots. Each additional week is $160.50; however you can purchase a month's worth for $599.20. If you lose four to five pounds a week, it will take six to eight weeks to reach your goal. After you're done, it's recommended you go on a year-long maintenance program ($749), which is designed to help keep off the weight and reintroduce regular food. You can buy all food at the grocery store, however there are optional Bernstein food items, including protein bars, cereals, puddings, soups and drinks ($16 for seven portions).

Total cost: $2,032.50 to $2,311.05, including maintenance. Price does not include food.