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How much does it cost to lose 30 pounds? |
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The Canada-based service started in Los Angeles two
years ago and has since spread to the metropolitan areas of New
York City, Boston, San Diego, South Florida, Washington, D.C., Connecticut,
Philadelphia, San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Signing up for the 30-day plan will cost $39.99 per
day plus a shipping charge, which is $3 for customers in most cities
and $10 for those in other areas. If you just want to try it out
for two weeks, you'll be paying $44.99 per day plus shipping. The
average Zone dieter loses between eight and 10 pounds per month,
and it will take three or four months to drop 30 pounds.
Total cost: $3,869.1 to $5,158.8, which includes
$3 per day for delivery.
Free
advice
These diets are just the tip of the iceberg -- the options for losing
weight are endless. Keep in mind that this article isn't an endorsement
of any of the programs listed. Before committing to any system,
research the company, talk to your doctor and ask questions.
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Questions to ask before signing up: |
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What are the costs
for membership, weekly fees, food, supplements, maintenance
and counseling? |
| • | What's
the payment schedule? | | • | Are
any costs covered under health insurance? | | • | What
is the refund policy? | | • | What
are the health risks? | | • | How
many participants succeed in reaching their goal and keeping off the weight? |
| • | What
kind of professional supervision or counseling is provided? | |
It's also important to be realistic. Ask yourself
if you can afford the program and if it fits your lifestyle. If
you have the motivation, but not the means, don't fret. Instead,
consider the age-old method for losing weight: Reduce the number
of calories you take in while exercising to increase the amount
you burn off.
Michelle Warren contributed to this article.
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