Dieting is not cheap. This is especially the case if you join a weight loss program where you are often required to purchase special foods. The Internal Revenue Service, since April 2002 has deemed some weight loss expenses as tax deductible when they come under medical expenses. According to that ruling,

"...Uncompensated amounts paid by individuals for participation in a weight-loss program as treatment for a specific disease or diseases (including obesity) diagnosed by a physician are expenses for medical care that are deductible under § 213, subject to the limitations of that section." (IRS Ruling, April 2, 2002)

How will  this affect the food bills of the average taxpayer? It means that if weight loss programs are recommended by your physician for the treatment of obesity, or conditions related to obesity then the cost  MAY be deductible from your taxes!

Who is eligible for tax deductions on weight loss programs?

If you think you are eligible for tax deductions on your weight loss program under the 2002 ruling, you must itemize the things on your taxes. You can deduct the costs of weight loss treatment IF these are not reimbursed by some other method. You can only deduct expenses for items where they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross annual income.

Can I deduct my weight loss program if I'm not medically obese?

It may be possible to deduct expenses even where you are not diagnosed as medically obese. This applies if your doctor has recommended weight loss as a treatment for weight-related diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease.

What kinds of weight loss expenses are deductible?

Doctor-recommended treatments that are specific to weight loss and maintenance can be treated as tax deductible expenses. These include, but may not be limited to: bariatric surgery (stomach stapling or gastric bypass), FDA approved weight loss drugs, hospital based programs, nutritionists, dieticians, behavioral modification programs, exercise programs and even some commercial weight loss programs like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig.

What is not tax deductible?

You cannot claim for the following: health club dues, nutritional supplements, over the counter appetite suppressants, low fat foods, and exercise equipment. Neither is liposuction included as it is regarded as cosmetic surgery.

What about weight maintenance programs?

If your doctor thinks that it is a necessary part of the treatment of your condition then  weight maintenance programs may be deductible. That is to say that if maintaining your weight is part of a medically recommended treatment, then the program could be eligible for deductions.

Do I need to provide proof of my doctor’s orders and expenses?

You don't need to submit any documentary proof with your taxes, but it's wise to keep the following in case of audit: a written recommendation from your doctor that you lose weight for the treatment of a specific condition (and remember that obesity is an official disease), and receipts for the any of the costs that you deduct.

Can I still deduct the expenses if I didn't lose weight?

You can still deduct expenses because there is no need to show an improvement in your condition in order to deduct the costs.