Weight Watchers

• Weight Watchers serves as one of the top --- as well as most well-known--- weight-loss diet programs. It provides coaching and support through weekly meetings or online services. As of January 2011, the initial sign-up fee is at $30, and the monthly charge is at $39.95. The monthly charge includes access to all meetings and admission to the program's website. For those who cannot attend meetings, an option for online support only is available at $53.85 for the first three months, and $17.95 for each succeeding month.
  
  

Jenny Craig

• Unlike Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig's plan includes pre-packaged food that dieters can either pick up or choose to be delivered at an additional fee. The program also offers a weekly talk with a consultant, phone support available day and night, and online programs to assist dieters in keeping up with the diet program. As of January 2011, the monthly service charge is about $30. The food, which includes three meals and a snack, ranges from $18 to $22 per day.
  
  

Nutrisystem

• Similar to the Jenny Craig program, Nutrisystem also provides pre-packaged meals, phone support, weekly consulting and tracking tools. They have different plans for women, men and diabetics. A four-week plan for women costs $300 for the "Select" version and $270 for the "Basic" version. For men, the four-week "Select" plan costs $330, while the "Basic" plan costs $30 cheaper. The price for a diabetic's plan is at $300 for the "Select" option and $270 for the "Basic" option. All prices are as of January 2011 and already include delivery charges.
  
  

Diet Books

• Aside from the weight loss programs that provide private and group counseling, online support, and pre-packaged meals, dieters can opt to buy books with systematized diet plans and strategies. Choosing diet books is the less expensive route; however, the full-packaged diet programs may provide better results. Examples of diet books include "The Best Life Diet," "The Ultimate Weight Solution," "South Beach Diet," and "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution." Depending on the condition of the book, new or used, prices for these diet books range from $5 to $20 as of 2011. Some of these books also have available online support at additional costs.