For years WebMd has been a leader in giving out medical information to the online community. Now, the site is trying its hand at offering customized diet programs.

While many diet sites focus on how important it is to lose weight for appearance's sake, WebMd is quick to point out the slew of health problems that are a byproduct of obesity -- cancer, heart disease, gout, diabetes, arthritis, asthma and gum disease.

By changing your habits and following a program that includes good eating and exercise, you will make changes to your life that can be sustained for the long haul. In addition, you will improve your overall wellness. That is the goal of the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic.

Visitors perform a free assessment that discloses weight, height, age, sex and desired weight. Once they have paid the monthly $21.62 fee or $4.99 a week, they are then a member of the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic.

The next step is telling about food likes and dislikes so that WebMD can create a plan tailor made to your preferences. The program also examines your eating habits to determine where you need to make adjustments. Completing the questionnaire takes about 20 minutes, but the end justifies the means.

In return, you will get an in-depth eating habits evaluation, along with a nutritional analysis report which shows where your diet could use some improvements. In addition, you will also have access to an interactive journal.

The WebMD Weight Loss Clinic gives many tools that help you achieve your goals. While following the program, you will keep a food journal to record everything you consume. You will receive immediate feedback on how you are doing to ensure you make progress. The journal is essential in helping you monitor exactly what you put in your mouth.

Every day, daily reminders provide tips and support to keep you on track. The program also ensures you get the proper guidance for establishing a healthy fitness plan. And you are never by yourself. There is a whole community of dieters at your disposal day or night on the message boards.

The WebMD Weight Loss Clinic does not make any lofty claims about quick weight-loss or miracle results. Instead it offers a sound, common-sense type approach to dieting that focuses on modifying your behavior and changing your habits for life.