This is america, where most of us could afford to lose a few pounds, or could we? The question is what is the real cost, in dollars, to lose 30 pounds?

Lets examine these popular commercial weight loss programs:

Ediets.com - An online diet management website that provides meals and diet tracking, even though it is online and has no in person human interaction, it can still cost you $159 a week or more to try this program.

Jenny Craig - Customers can select from one of two options. Jenny Rewards, priced at $359 to $399, is a 12-month program that rewards weight loss success with discounts on food, which must be purchased separately at a significant additional cost. Prepackaged foods generally cost $12 to $18 per day, which can easily run $84 to $126 per week.

LA Weight Loss - Calculating the cost with their setup fee of $174 and $7 per week, the total cost of the plan is $685 for 73 weeks, not including the costs of their prepackaged food and LA Lite bars.

NutriSystem - This 28-day program includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. This program with some extra add ons can easily run you $293.72 per month.

Bankrate estimates the total cost to lose 30 pounds: $1,174.88, including food, except fresh vegetables or dairy products.

The Zone Diet Delivery: This is another food delivery service. Signing up for their 30-day plan will cost $39.99 per day plus shipping, which averages $3 for most customers, but can cost as much as $10. According to the company itself, the average Zone dieter will lose between 8 and 10 pounds per month if eating their foods, so the total cost to lose 30 pounds can set you back over $4000.

Is it really worth it to lose 30 pounds?

Honestly, YES, these programs are well worth the money when you weigh the health benefits and personal benefits, both physical and mental, but you also have to consider that the cost is one thing and sticking with the program to reach success is another. Even if you have strong willpower and a hefty wallet, you still might have better results with a much less expensive route such as Thermadrol, an amazing natural appetite suppressant that is allowing many individuals to reach their weight loss goals without eating pre packaged foods. Many Thermadrol users can simply eat the same foods they usually do, but in smaller portion sizes as a result of the combination of several appetite suppressing ingredients. If you would like more information about Thermadrol you can visit their main website Here.

Think about who you are and what you need to help you to lose weight, then make the decision that is most likely to suit you and your new body.