Lindora Lean for Life Review
Review At A Glance
Founded in 1971, Lindora is a Southern California-based weight management company with 34 clinics spread out across five counties. The Lindora "Lean for Life" program is described as medically based and clinically proven. Clients' weight loss programs are supervised by a doctor, and clinical trials in obesity-related health issues are run through the company. The goal of the program is to modify your eating habits and lifestyle, but the program also promises rapid weight loss and uses a modified version of a high-protein, low carbohydrate approach which they call "smart carb." The program lasts for ten weeks, including eight weeks of weight loss and two weeks of "metabolic adjustment." In addition to the face-to-face clinic appointments, there are also telephone and online-based versions of the program available to non-locals, with a similar emphasis on expert support and guidance from a "nurse educator."
How Does It Work?
The "Lean for Life" program is essentially the same whether you're going to the clinic or using the online or phone versions; a clinic evaluation will include bloodwork testing, blood pressure analysis, and body composition analysis. The diet itself is low-carb and low fat (about 50 -100 carbs per day for the first part of the program). Moderate exercise like walking is recommended, with the suggested goal of 10 000 steps or 3-5 miles a day. (You are encouraged to wear a pedometer while on the program).
Who Is It Good For?
Considering that Lindora emphasizes medical supervision and rapid weight loss, the "Lean for Life" program is probably a good choice for those who are dangerously obese and require medical monitoring to achieve their weight loss safely. Likewise someone with health issues that may complicate a weight loss plan will appreciate the medically-oriented approach.
Keys: Lindora Plans
- Lindora Clinics
- Lindora Online
- Lindora by Phone
Keys: Additional Focused Offerings
- Individual nurse counseling two to five times a week (clinic)
- Interactive food diary and daily guidance (online)
- Daily emails and weekly online chats with experts (online)
- Educational materials and nutritional products
Pros
- Medical supervision and educational materials
- Focused on rapid weight loss
- Concerned with health issues, especially those relating to obesity
- Online program allows for communication with other program members
- Telephone option available for those who need more supervision, or need to ask questions
Cons
- Cost is a bit on the high side: $239 for the ten week telephone or online version of the program, although there are other modified "starter packages" you can purchase; in-clinic visits are around $20 per session.
- Program does rely on the process of ketosis, which can have unwanted side effects
- Online and telephone versions of program do not provide the medical testing involved with the in-house program.
Further Thoughts
The quality of medical supervision likely varies a lot from the in-person clinic program to the online and telephone versions, so if focused medical supervision is important for you, and you don't live near a Lindora clinic, you may want to consider setting up a program through your doctor, or finding a weight loss clinic close to home.
