The journey to weight loss is often fraught with challenges, with many individuals seeking the perfect diet to shed unwanted pounds. While numerous fad diets promise rapid results, a sustainable approach focuses on modifying eating habits rather than restricting food choices. The Naturally Slim program, now known as Wondr Health, offers a digital weight-loss solution that aims to transform your relationship with food and promote long-term health. This article delves into the details of the Naturally Slim diet, exploring its principles, effectiveness, and potential benefits.
Understanding the Naturally Slim Diet
Naturally Slim is a digital weight-loss program designed to help individuals lose weight by changing how they eat, not what they eat. It is not a fad diet that requires sacrificing favorite foods. Instead, it's inspired by behaviorism psychology, aiming to replace harmful habits with helpful ones. The program focuses on mindful eating, emphasizing listening to hunger signals, eating only at mealtimes, eating slowly, savoring foods, and recognizing signs of fullness.
Wondr Health, formerly Naturally Slim, provides online education for people interested in losing weight. This program does not involve changing the diet in specific ways or counting calories or points. Instead, the company aims to retrain people’s thinking about food and help them make healthy choices about how and when to eat. The company says that its program does not involve:counting points or calorieslimiting food selectionsdietingInstead, Wondr Health describes itself as a “trusted solution” for a range of clients. For instance, it aims to help businesses encourage their employees to engage in behaviors that improve their health. It also aims to help doctors provide support to patients who hope to lose weight.
How Naturally Slim Works
The Naturally Slim Diet is a paid, year-long program that counsels people on healthy eating habits. The program is divided into three phases:
- Phase 1: The first phase consists of 10 weeks of basic lessons on nutrition, fitness, and mindful eating.
- Phase 2: Next comes 10 weeks of biweekly lessons tailored to your specific needs.
- Phase 3: The final phase is 32 weeks of monthly lessons focused on helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to the lessons, users are also able to connect to a community of other members following the Naturally Slim Diet.
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Benefits of Maintaining a Moderate Weight
Preventing obesity or overweight can have significant health benefits. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), some benefits of maintaining a moderate weight include:
- Increased energy
- More efficient circulation
- Improved management of fluids
- The prevention of diabetes
- Sleep apnea and other breathing problems
- Gallstones
- Heart disease
- Certain cancers
- Osteoarthritis
Wondr Health claims that its program also helps people prevent or reverse metabolic syndrome - a collection of risk factors for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. These risk factors include:
- Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as “good” cholesterol
- High levels of triglycerides, a type of fat
- A waist circumference above a certain measurement
- High fasting blood sugar levels
- High blood pressure
Is Naturally Slim Right for You?
Wondr Health advertises itself as suitable for individuals who would like to lose weight without needing to adapt their diet or lifestyle. The company aims to educate people about their diet rather than limiting calories or food choices. This program may be suitable for people with excess body weight and those looking to maintain a moderate weight.
This service is only suitable for people with access to the internet as it is online-only. Additionally, it may not suit those who prefer in-person support.
Cost and Accessibility
For an individual plan, Wondr Health costs $50 per month. However, some people may be able to access this program for free through their employer. Wondr Health programs last 1 year. Individuals and employers can sign up for accounts. A person has unlimited access to the materials for the duration of their subscription. Then, they must download the app onto their smart device to access classes and resources. Wondr Health also offers access through some employers.
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Scientific Evidence and Studies
There is some research that supports claims that the Naturally Slim Diet is effective for weight loss.
- One study, published in the journal Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, of more than 3,800 adults who followed the program found that women lost about nine pounds and men lost around 13 pounds after 10 weeks.
- Another study that included data from more than 140,000 people following the diet plan for 10 weeks found that women lost 2% of their body weight, while men lost 2.4%.
- Other research suggests mindful eating principles can result in weight loss. One review of nine studies concluded that mindful eating resulted in more weight loss than no interventions at all and may result in similar weight loss to commercial diets.
- A 2022 study found that many participants using Wondr Health experienced weight loss, as well as improved energy levels, mood, sleep quality, and self-confidence. The participants in this study also had less indigestion and musculoskeletal pain after using this program.
However, it is important to note that one of the researchers of this study is a paid consultant and Chief Medical Officer at Wondr Health.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
To reap the potential benefits of Wondr Health, a person must use the learning materials regularly. However, various factors, such as restricted time, may prevent this.
- Accreditation: Although the company does not currently hold accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the organization gives Wondr Health an A+ grade.
- Customer Reviews: Wondr Health does not have any Trustpilot reviews. However, reviews on the App Store and Google Play are mostly positive, with people describing the service as efficient and convenient. The less positive reviews mention occasional technical glitches within the app.
- Data Privacy: The other individual who complained states that they received text messages from third parties after signing up for the company’s services. The company replied that it does not sell personal details to others.
Alternatives to Naturally Slim
The following table compares Wondr Health with competitors who also offer online support and resources.
Additional Tips for Weight Management
The AHA recommends that people looking to reach or maintain a moderate weight take certain steps. These include:
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- Managing portion sizes
- Tracking eating habits using a journal or app
- Setting realistic goals to avoid disappointment or frustration
- Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week
- Eating a nutritious, varied, and well-balanced diet
When to Seek Professional Help
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) states that a person should consult a doctor if they have tried to lose weight but have not been successful. Healthcare professionals can help people identify the reasons why they are unable to lose weight and set a sustainable plan that may help a person reach their weight goals. They can also check a person for any health conditions.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to help people lose weight. They may also recommend weight loss surgery if a person has obesity that is severe or occurs alongside risk factors such as type 2 diabetes.
Common Questions About Wondr Health
Does Wondr Health work?
A 2022 study found that many participants using Wondr Health experienced weight loss, as well as improved energy levels, mood, sleep quality, and self-confidence. The participants in this study also had less indigestion and musculoskeletal pain after using this program.
However, it is important to note that one of the researchers of this study is a paid consultant and Chief Medical Officer at Wondr Health.
How fast can you lose weight?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that a person should aim to lose weight at a gradual pace of 1-2 lb a week. People who lose weight gradually are more likely to maintain their goal weight once they have reached it.
How much does Wondr Health cost?
For an individual plan, Wondr Health costs $50 per month. However, some people may be able to access this program for free through their employer.
How long does the Wondr Health program last?
Wondr Health programs last 1 year.
Personal Anecdotes and Experiences
One individual shared their experience with making dietary changes, emphasizing the importance of mindset: "If you don’t believe it, you can’t achieve it. Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right." They found that eliminating certain foods, like bread and pasta, helped them control cravings. They also discovered substitutes for favorite foods, such as making pizza with a cheese crisp crust and using pork rinds as chips. Speaking of calories, for the first time in my life since about the age 14, I no longer count - or even worry about - calories. I eat when I'm hungry. Some days I feel like I'm eating every two hours and some days I'm four hours in-between. But I can't let myself get too hungry or I risk over eating. Also, for the first time in my life, I don't think of food constantly. About what I'm going to have next or that piece of whatever in the fridge, etc. It's very freeing!
Alternative Approaches to Weight Loss
Bethenny Frankel, a chef and former obsessive dieter, recommends changing your relationship with food instead of dieting. Her approach involves:
- Eating well, but sparingly
- Balancing all foods in your diet
- Following splurges with calorie "saves"
- Focusing on vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
- Limiting portion sizes
- Staying active