Diet Information
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Medical DietsClinics and Doctor-Supervised Diet ProgramsIf you are seriously overweight and you have tried conventional weight loss diets without losing much, you may have more success with a clinic-based program. Although clinically supervised diet programs are more expensive, they do provide a formal support structure which some dieters find very helpful. Most reputable weight loss clinics should be able to provide you with details of the level of weight reductions achieved by their patients. Medical Diet Programs Not a Magic Solution to Weight LossA hospital or clinic-based diet program, while extremely beneficial for some people, is no guarantee of weight loss unless you follow all the dietary and fitness guidelines. Nor are these programs essential for weight reduction. For example, a survey conducted by Consumer Reports (2002) discovered that 83 percent of 8000 successful weight losers achieved their success without outside help. Finding a Medical Diet ProgramConsult your doctor for details of local weight loss clinics. Alternatively, contact the American Obesity Association on 202-776-7711 for information. Meantime, here is a short summary of two medically supervised weight loss programs. Health Management Resources (HMR)This is a rapid weight loss program for patients with moderate to severe obesity. It is operated in over 200 hospitals and health care clinics in America. This is because the program includes a very-low-calorie diet, which must be administered by doctors or medical staff. All candidates for this weight loss program are medically screened. If accepted, participants may choose between a 1200 calorie diet, or a very-low-calorie plan of 500-800 calories per day. Both eating plans use meal replacement entrees, bars and shakes. All participants must attend a weekly 90-minute meeting. Costs for this medical diet program vary, but start from about $200 per month. Weight loss results average 1 to 5 pounds per week. For Further Information: Health Management Resources |
OptifastAnother program designed for quick weight loss, this medically supervised diet plan is available from numerous clinics and hospitals throughout America and Canada. Entrance is restricted to participants who need to lose at least 50 pounds. The diet program is supported by counseling on behavior modification, physical activity and problem-solving. This medical weight loss program lasts 6 months. The first 5 months are devoted to weight reduction, with a final month for weight maintenance. On induction, participants are given either an 800-calorie, 950-calorie or 1200-calorie eating plan. Liquid meal replacements are used, but regular foods are gradually added with time. Costs for the 6-month medical diet program vary, but start from about $1500. Weight reduction averages 1 to 5 pounds per week. For Further Information: Novartis Nutrition |