Will the Weight Loss Resources System Work For Me?
Can I use it on the go?
Yes! Weight Loss Resources has developed a mobile version of the web site that is designed to use on smaller screens. This means you can use your smartphone to add your food or exercise, weigh in or chat on the forums wherever you are. You don't even need to download an app – just go to www.weightlossresources.co.uk on your chosen device and your experience will be tailored for you – you can find out more here.
Do I have to exercise?
No, you don't need to exercise regularly to lose weight by calorie counting. As long as what you eat is within your daily calorie allowance you will lose weight.
However, most people find it helpful to add in some activity or exercise as it earns you more calories to spend on your favourite foods and drinks. You can find out more about exercise and weight loss here.
Is alcohol allowed?
How you use your calories is up to you – so technically yes. Of course, we advise that you drink responsibly and with moderation.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, so you might find that you don't want to use up your calories on alcoholic drinks which don't really have any nutritional value. If you do have the odd tipple the WLR database contains info for pretty much any alcoholic drink (including cocktails). Make sure you add it to your food diary so it doesn't scupper your weight loss efforts.
Will I be able to eat out and socialise?
Absolutely, yes! The beauty of counting calories is that you can eat anything, anywhere. You don't need to worry about going out or having to always choose the salad from the menu. You don't even need to let anyone else know that you're trying to lose weight.
The WLR database contains information for most eating out and fast food brands. If you're not sure or can't find an item just drop us a line and we'll get the information or give you tips and guidance as quickly as possible.
I cook for my partner or family regularly – how does this fit in?
With counting calories you eat normal foods. There are no shakes or pre packed diet meals. This means you can cook one meal for everyone. It's easy to stay within your calories by having a slightly smaller portion or not having some extras such as full fat mayonnaise etc.
Using WLR to calculate your home cooked recipes means you can all sit at the table, eating the same wholesome, comforting, everyday food you and your family are used to - and if you've made a few tweaks to make it healthier and lower calorie then everyone gets the benefit!
I'm a vegetarian or vegan, can I use WLR?
Yes of course! As long as you stay within your calorie allowance your daily menus can be made up of whatever foods you like.
We even give you a nutrition profile so you can see how much protein you're getting which can be particularly useful for vegetarians and vegans. We also have a wealth of articles, recipes and information to help you lose weight with a vegetarian or vegan diet.
I want to follow a low carb/high protein/high fibre diet or similar – can WLR help?
Although Weight Loss Resources doesn't advocate these types of diets the food diary does enable you to keep an eye on all macro-nutrient totals.
We generally advise a nutritional profile in line with the 'balance of good health' provided by medical professionals. As you fill in your food diary you can see how you are doing against this target profile. If you have been advised by a doctor or dietitian to alter this profile you can reflect this within the program by creating your own target nutrition profile.
What happens if I go over my daily calorie allowance?
First, don't panic! Your calories are spread over a week and if you go over you can compensate by eating a little fewer over the following days, or by doing some extra exercise or activity. You can see how your allowance is working over the course of the week in the Calories History report in your food diary. This makes it really easy to manage your calories.
Most of our successful members have found that if they know in advance they're going to want more calories for a particular reason; it's best to bank them first rather than try to claw them back. Either way you will still lose weight.
Will the program give me suggestions for what to eat?
Yes, if that's what you want. WLR is extremely flexible and you can use it to record your own food choices or you can use the extensive recipe database for low calorie meal suggestions. You can search the recipe database by the number of calories you have available or by ingredients you already have in the cupboard.
If you need more structured guidance we also offer daily menu suggestions or full integrated daily meal plans through our Planbot system. Find out more about the recipe database, the Planbot system or see sample suggested menu plans.
Can I track my inch loss as well as my weight loss?
Yes! The Goals & Results section of your account has the facility for you to enter measurements for your bust, waist, hips, thighs and arm measurements so you can see how your body is changing over time. This can be really motivational and adds to your experience, it's not just about the number on the scales!
You can also track your BMI and body fat %, with charts and reports to show how you're doing.
Does it matter how old I am?
No – as long as you're over 18 you can use the WLR system. The program will work out the right amount of calories you'll need to stick to in order to lose weight based on a number of factors, including your age.
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General Weight Loss Questions
What if I find losing weight difficult?
If you find losing weight a struggle for any reason, we are here to support you. Sometimes there may be a medical issue involved, sometimes emotional and sometimes it's just hard because of other things going on in life.
If at any point you feel you're finding it difficult we can help. Our fully qualified, trained and dedicated Helpteam are available by phone, online or by email and can help you either by just by being there to talk things through, or by taking a deeper look at your food diary etc. and making practical suggestions for you.
Our forums are also incredibly friendly and full of others who are going through the same things on the same journey. Our members are passionate about helping others and will quickly respond with advice and encouragement if you should post on the message boards.
Will counting calories work for me?
Counting calories can work for anyone – including you. It is based on trusted science and is the method of losing weight that Doctors and Dieticians agree is the most effective, healthy and sustainable.
The WLR system works out how many calories you need by taking into account your gender, age, height, weight and other lifestyle factors – so the daily calorie allowance you are given is as tailored and individual to you as possible.
As long as you stick to your calories and record everything you eat and drink you WILL lose weight.
If at any point you're unsure if your settings are correct, or if you're recording things correctly, our Helpteam are there to support you and will happily take a look and make sure everything is set up and working for you in the best way possible.
Remember – calorie counting means no banned foods, no pills and no fads! Just everyday foods and drinks that you enjoy.
How much weight will I lose each week?
Using the WLR system you can lose between half a pound and 2 pounds per week. (Or 250g to 1 kilo). The rate you choose is entirely up to you, but if you'd like some guidance on what to choose we'll be happy to help.
At the top rate of 2lbs per week you could be losing a stone every 7 weeks (that's less than 2 months)!
I'm trying to maintain my weight – will Weight Loss Resources help?
Yes... the WLR system can be set to work out how many calories you need to stay the weight that you are (maintenance). This means you can make sure you don't put on or lose any more weight.
This can be especially useful if you have recently lost weight and want a bit of structure to make sure it doesn't return before you feel comfortable to 'go it alone'.
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Medical Matters
Can I use Weight Loss Resources if I'm taking medication?
Generally yes. The WLR system does not let you go below an amount of daily calories that is considered healthy. Also, calorie counting does not require you to take any pills, products etc. that might interact with current medications.
However, we advise that you see your doctor and double check that the medication or condition that you are treating will not be adversely affected by attempting to cut calories and lose weight.
Can I use WLR if I'm pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding?
If you're pregnant...
This is a hotly debated subject so we recommend speaking with your GP or Midwife as they will have a better idea of what is personally best for you, as we know with any weight loss journey-everybody is different.
It is considered normal to gain 22 to 26lbs (10 to 12kg) overall during your pregnancy. This generally works out at around 2 to 4lb in the first trimester (12 weeks), 10 – 14oz per week in the second trimester (weeks 12 – 28), and 2 – 6lbs per month in the third trimester (28 – 40 weeks).
The links below are taken from the guidelines provided by the NHS for general healthy eating when pregnant and from Midwives.com.
NHS guidelines on healthy eating during pregnancy.
Midwives online advice on calorie intake during pregnancy.
You might also want to take a look at our article on weight loss during pregnancy.
Remember that lots of our other members who have had babies all chat on our 'Baby Weight' board to discuss how they lose the weight afterwards, it might be good to ask a few questions there once your little one has come along.
If you're breast feeding...
As you might be aware it is recommended that you eat slightly more calories than your body generally needs while breast feeding. Depending on the size and age of your child it's generally recommended that breast feeding mothers increase their calorie intake by around 300-600 calories per day. Your best option would be for you to visit your GP or midwife who will be able to advise you on how much to increase your intake by and to be aware that you are aiming to be above your quota by this amount.
It is possible to still lose weight whilst breast feeding and indeed many studies show women who breast feed can return to their pre-pregnancy figure faster.
Here's some more info from us on losing weight after pregnancy, which includes information on breast feeding. You can also find out more from the NHS here.
If you're trying for a baby...
It is generally advised that if you are trying to become pregnant it is best to be as close to a healthy weight as possible. You can use the tools within WLR to get to this point, and to try and make sure your diet is as healthy as possible during this period.
Have a look at our Dietitians advice on your weight and diet before pregnancy.
I have a medical condition; can I still use the program to lose weight?
In most cases the answer is yes, however with any medical condition such as diabetes, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure or any other long term condition we strongly advise that you visit your GP before starting any weight loss program. They will be able to tell you if WLR is appropriate and will be able to monitor you throughout your journey.
I am allergic or have an intolerance to a food based ingredient, can I still use WLR?
Yes. The tools within Weight Loss Resources can be used if you are lactose or gluten intolerant, suffer from coeliac disease, or have any other food based allergies or intolerances.
You will still need to rely on food ingredient labels and other information you have to ensure you choose foods that are acceptable to you, but you can still use the food diary to count calories.
We have many lactose/gluten free etc. products in our food database, and if there's anything you can't find drop us a line and we'll obtain the info for you.
Are there any side effects?
Not at the level of calories that the WLR system will give you. The system was worked out with Doctors and Dietitians and will not let any individual reduce their calories to any less than 1100. This is what is considered the lowest level that will still enable you to have a varied and nutritionally balanced diet.
Very Low Calorie diets (VLCD's) can have some side effects such as fatigue etc. However the WLR system is not a VLCD. You can find out more about VLCD's from the NHS here.
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Money Matters!
How much does Weight Loss Resources Cost?
You can sign up to WLR from as little as equivalent to £6.95 per month. We offer flexible options to make sure you can make the most of your money.
If you want to sign up for a short period of time or monthly payments will suit you best you can access the tools for £9.95 per month. Or, if you want to commit to a longer period you can save money by choosing one of the following options:
- 3 monthly subscription - £8.95 per month (taken in one payment of £26.85 every 3 months)
- 6 monthly subscription - £7.95 per month (taken in one payment of £47.70 every 6 months)
- 12 monthly subscription - £6.95 per month (taken in one payment of £83.40 every twelve months)
You can cancel at any time and no further payments will be taken, you don't even need to contact us – you can do it straight from your account online.
Can I try it out first?
Of course you can! We offer a 24 hour free trial for you to use.
This gives you access to absolutely everything within the Weight Loss Resources site, nothing is held back or closed off until you pay - you get it all!
It's genuinely free – we don't require you to enter any payment details to get inside.
All we need is your name, your vital statistics to work out your calories, and your email address to set up your free account.
Are there any joining fees?
In a word, no…
We don't charge an initial fee. We never have and we have no intention of starting!
All you pay is your subscription fee, and you can get your subscription to Weight Loss Resources from as little as £6.95 per month.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel your membership with us at any time - there is no minimum term.
We know it can be a real pain trying to cancel stuff sometimes - countless emails back and forth, various phone calls going through automated menus… you know the drill. That's why we try to make it as easy as possible if you need to cancel your account.
You can cancel your WLR membership in your online account at any time and no further payments will be taken. If you do prefer to speak to someone you can also email us (usually answered within 30 minutes), or give us a call where a real person will answer the phone.
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Do I have to buy any other products?
No – your membership price is all you pay. We won't try to sell you any pills, potions or food products.
Everything you need to follow the Weight Loss Resources system is included in the cost of your subscription. We'll even send you small paper food diaries for noting down your food throughout the day if you need them.
How does the cost of membership to WLR compare to other diet sites?
The table below shows you how Weight Loss Resources prices compare to other online diet programs. Remember, WLR has no joining fees, no minimum term and a no quibble cancellation policy.
Online Provider |
Weight Loss Resources |
Weight Watchers |
Slimming World |
Rosemary Conley |
1 Month Membership |
£9.99 |
£11.95 |
N/A |
£12.99 |
3 Months Membership |
£26.97 |
£23.90 |
from £60.00 |
£34.99 |
6 Months Membership |
£47.94 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
12 Months Membership |
£83.88 |
N/A |
N/A |
£69.99 |
Ongoing |
£9.99 or less! |
£11.95 |
£20.00 |
£12.99 |
Free Trial |
YES |
No |
No |
No |
Prices correct as of November 17, 2014
See WLR's Signup Options or Take a Free Trial
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