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

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

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

Visitors complete 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 officially a member of the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic.

The next step is submitting food likes and dislikes so that WebMD can create a plan tailored 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.