WebMD Weight Loss Clinic

Editors' Note: WebMD Weight Loss Clinic is a paid subscription service offered by WebMD. This review was written by WebMD's editorial staff, which is independent from the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic. In writing this review, expert analysis was provided by professionals who are not affiliated with WebMD or the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic. There was no influence by WebMD Weight Loss Clinic on this review.

What It Is

What it isn't is a gimmick-laden diet. There's no law against carbs, or fruit, or even modest amounts of alcohol. There's no magic food such as red meat or grapefruit. The WebMD Weight Loss Clinic's bottom line: Sensible eating and sensible exercise.

So why bother with the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic when you can get sensible advice for free? The main reason is personal. WebMD dieters get an individualized eating plan based on their weight-loss goals and their personal preference. And that's not all. They also get frequent reminders, encouragement, community support, and even a diet buddy via email and the Internet.

The WebMD weight-loss plan is based on the idea that the vast majority of foods are good for you -- at the right time, and in the right amounts.

Before you get any diet advice at all, the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic makes you fill out a detailed questionnaire (that takes at least 20 minutes to complete) about the foods you actually eat. You're also asked about your current weight and height, and the target weight you're aiming for.

You get a personalized analysis of your current eating habits. But that's only the appetizer. For a main course, you get a personalized eating plan that includes all your favorite foods.

There's no calorie counting or point system. It's all based on portion control. How do you keep track? Every day, you go to your computer and call up your personal food journal. This is an essential part of the plan. By logging everything you eat, you get real-time feedback on how you're doing. And keeping a journal also makes you more aware of the food you eat. That can be a big help for most, because mindless eating is one of the most common diet pit falls.

While the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic focuses on food, it also prompts you to get plenty of exercise. That's a huge -- and often a hugely overlooked -- part of any successful weight-loss program.