Commercial Weight Loss Programs

1
Commercial Weight Loss Programs

• Heli J. Roy, PhD, RD
• -Pennington Biomedical Research Center-
• Division of Education

2
Overview of Programs

• Weight Watchers
• TOPS
• Overeaters Anonymous
• Nutri System
• Diet Center
• Health Management Resources
• Jenny Craig
• Optifast
• Medical Weight Loss Clinic
• LA Weight Loss
• Curves for Women

3
Weight Watchers

• Available at http//www.weightwatchers.com/index.
  aspx

4
Weight Watchers

• Helps individuals along the way by
• 1. Helping them make the positive changes
  required to lose weight
• 2. Guiding them to make positive behavioral
  changes in their life
• 3. Inspiring them with our belief in the power to
  succeed
• 4. Motivating them every step of the way

5
Weight Watchers

• The Plan
• You can choose between the
• Flex Plan
• Or
• Core Plan

6
Flex Plan

• All foods are assigned point values.
• Can choose any food as long as the person stays
  within their total points.
• A person can eat all of the foods they love on
  this plan.
• The plan is dlexible.
• Assumes that the participant can easily handle
  any food challenge, even when choices are
  limited.
• Allows for weekly splurge to go out without going
  off the plan.

7
Core Plan (No Points Plan)

• The focus is on wholesome foods that help a
  person feel full longer.
• Able to eat wholesome foods from all of the food
  groups
• Foods such as fruits and vegetables, grains and
  starches, lean meats and poultry, eggs and dairy
  products
• The Core Food List is based on energy density
  (energy value of foods) and contains foods that
  have low energy density (not high in calories).
• Occasional treats are allowed in controlled
  amounts on this plan to splurge on special
  occasions, treats, and going out without going
  off the plan.

8
Weight Watchers
1. Widely available On the website, enter
zip code, and meeting locations and times are
presented. 2. No commitments Can attend
meetings once a week for less than an hour.
Theres no contract, it is pay as you go.
3.Physician referral Children between the
ages of 10-17 need a doctor's note with a goal
weight. Children under the age of 10 are unable
to join. 4. Use behavioral components since 1974
Now offers online access and weigh-ins.
Message boards are available online and members
are encouraged to communicate with one another.
9
Weight Watchers

• 5. Nutritionally sound exchange program
• Incorporates the exchange list into the
  program for individuals choosing the flexible
  points plan.
• 6. Convenience
• Can meet one hour a week at the nearest location
  for meetings.
• 7. Exercise
• Incorporated into the plan for individuals
  cleared to exercise. Offers demonstrations,
  advice and plans.
• 8. Online access
• Offers recipes and information on foods and
  special dietary needs. The database contains over
  15,000 favorite recipes submitted by the Weight
  Watchers community. Has message boards on
  various topics and e-tools to track progress.
• Participants are encouraged to share their own
  and view other success stories.

10
The Meetings

• Confidential weigh-ins weekly to track progress
• New tips and program materials weekly to help
  along the way
• Receive support from the meeting leader who is a
  trained expert in the program and is devoted to
  participant success
• Benefit from attending meetings by the exchange
  of tips, recipes, and others practical
  experiences

11
Weight Watchers

• Cares about keeping the weight off after weight
  loss.
• Has Four Pillars of weight loss based on
  research that includes
• Behavior
• Exercise
• Support
• Food.
• Each is an important component of a well rounded
  weight loss program that has lasting results.

12
Weight Watchers

• The Weight Watchers program is a multi-faceted,
  comprehensive approach based on the belief that
  to lose weight safely and sensibly, a person must
  learn to eat more healthfully, increase physical
  activity, and handle the challenges encountered
  in the process of behavior modification.

13
Weight Watchers

• Since its inception in 1963, Weight Watchers has
  shown more than 25 million members how to lose
  weight.
• Currently, more than 1,000,000 members attend
  39,000 weekly Weight Watchers meetings in 30
  countries worldwide.

14
Weight Watchers

• The Weight Watchers program is designed to
  promote a healthful
  rate of weight loss. Individual factors,
  including age, gender, and current weight, affect
  the rate of weight loss. In addition, rate of
  weight loss is controlled by how carefully one
  follows the program therefore, how long it will
  take one to reach weight-loss goal is largely
  determined by the individual.

15
Weight Watchers
Members stay on the program as long as they
desire.

• Regular attendance is helpful in making
  lifestyle changes. To help one learn
  how to keep the weight off, continued
  attendance is recommended until weight goal is
  maintained for at least
  six weeks.

16
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

• Available at
• http//www.tops.org

17
TOPS

• TOPS, the oldest, non-profit, non-commercial
  weight-loss support group, was founded in 1948 in
  Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by Esther S. Manz, a
  homemaker.
• The program offers a healthy, caring, and
  supportive approach to weight loss in a group
  setting.
• The first meeting is free and membership is
  24.00 annually in the US, 30.00 in Canada. This
  includes regular issues of TOPS News well as
  other helpful materials.

18
About TOPS

• Currently, there are over 200,000 members in
  10,000 chapters in the U.S., Canada and other
  countries worldwide.
• Weekly meetings include private weigh-ins and a
  program providing members with positive
  reinforcement and motivation to adhere to food
  and exercise plans.  
• Online database enables potential clients to
  search for a chapter nearest to them. If the
  individual chooses, there is an option to start a
  new chapter, through a consultation with a
  coordinator.
• A new chapter can be begun by only 4 people.

19
TOPS Purpose

• TOPS philosophy is that desire to change comes
  from within an individual and the most effective
  way to sustain change is to provide a supporting
  environment
• Mission Statement
• TOPS mission is to support our members as
  they take and keep off pounds sensibly.

20
TOPS

• Program New members are required to consult
  with their physician to obtain a goal weight for
  themselves, and then report it to their chapter
  Weight Recorder. Members meet weekly in their
  local chapters. A private weigh-in is followed by
  a program. Programs vary, but all serve to
  provide members with positive reinforcement and
  motivation in adhering to their food and exercise
  plans. Chapters elect their volunteer Leaders
  from their membership.
• Other Features
• A  system of competition and recognition to
  provide additional support  
• TOPS healthy lifestyle guide, The Choice is
  Mine, containing details about the exchange
  system for meal planning as  well as motivational
  tips and practical advice
• TOPS retreats, rallies, and recognition days
• TOPS News membership magazine included in TOPS
  annual membership fee

21
TOPS

• Online membership is available if the individual
  wishes not to attend meetings.
• Online members receive a membership card, the
  monthly magazine delivered to them, a member
  handbook, and eligibility to attend TOPS
  retreats and local events.
• TOPS members are encouraged to communicate via
  internet chat rooms, message boards, and through
  sharing success stories with one another.

22
TOPS

• TOPS Tools area of the website offers many tools
  for managing dietary intake and increasing
  activity

• BMI Calculator
• Information on the Exchange System
• Sample Exchange List
• Exchange Calculator
• 28 Day Meal Planner
• Food Exchange Cards
• Printable Exchange Reminder

• Printable Exchange Recorder
• Exercise and Stretches
• The Plate Method
• Calorie Cash
• Recipe Substitutions

23
TOPS Facts

• In 2005, TOPS total weight loss equaled 970,824
  pounds or 485.41 tons. 
• The average loss per chapter was 100.82 pounds
• TOPS has experts in the field of medical
  research, nutrition, fitness, and psychology.
• TOPS Ambassadors are real-life weight-loss
  experts who have achieved and maintained their
  goal weight and speak across the country
  spreading the word about TOPS.

24
TOPS Other Features

• A system of competition and recognition of
  achievement aids in providing additional support.
• The Choice Is Yours, a TOPS sponsored book
  containing the exchange system for meal planning
  as well as practical advice on nutrition,
  exercise, lifestyle, and motivation.
• TOPS also offers rallies and recognition days,
  retreats, TOPS News (a membership magazine), and
  educational brochures for the public.

25
TOPS

• Since 1966, TOPS has funded an obesity and
  metabolic research program at the Medical College
  of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and supports ongoing
  research there. To date, 5.4 million
  dollars from TOPS earnings and member
  contributions have helped fund obesity research.

26
Medically Oriented Activities

• Findings from the program have been published in
  over 140 papers in medical journals. Volunteer
  TOPS members are currently part of a landmark
  research project examining the role of genetics
  in obesity. The research is being conducted
  by Dr. Ahmed Kissebah, scientific advisor
  to TOPS Club, Inc, and an
  internationally recognized expert on obesity.

27
TOPS Incentives

• There are many perks that are awarded to those
  individuals that reach their goal for weight
  loss. They are Royalty and receive special
  recognition. Others that have lost a lot of
  weight get similar special privileges.

28
Overeaters Anonymous

• Available at http//www.oa.org/index.htm

29
Inception

• Three people met in January 1960, for the
  purpose of helping each other with their
  compulsive overeating.
• They patterned their program after the
  Alcoholics Anonymous program.

30
Overeaters Anonymous

• The OA recovery program addresses physical,
  emotional, and spiritual
  recovery aspects of
  compulsive overeating.
• OA is not a religious program. It is a program
  that uses spiritual principles, and leave it to
  the individual members to approach these
  principles with a Higher Power of their
  understanding.

31
Overeaters Anonymous

• Meetings can range from 3 to 30 people, normally
  10 on average.
• Each meeting is begun with a speaker for the
  first 10-15 minutes, discussing life before OA.
• Meetings usually last from one to two hours.
• Members are always encouraged to seek
  professional help for individual diet/nutrition
  plans and/or any emotional or physical
  difficulties.

32
Meetings

• Based on membership list.
• Newcomers introduce themselves.
• Members share their experiences, strengths, and
  hope.
• Everything shared is confidential.
• Sponsors are allowed.
• Must be willing to help physically, emotionally,
  and spiritually.
• Outside communication and motivation.

33
Meetings
At the meetings, focus is on

• Acceptance of you.
• Understanding of the problems you face.
• Communication - mutual understanding and
  acceptance.
• Achieving recovery.
• Power to enter a new way of life.

34
Service Opportunities

• Individuals are encouraged to participate in the
  meetings.
• Whether serving the role of group secretary,
  treasurer, greeter, or stacking
  chairs at the meeting, or serving coffee, the
  organization believes that service is important
  for recovery and that it allows members to feel
  like they are giving back to the organization
  in which they belong.

35
Overeaters Anonymous

• Based on 1992 Gallup survey of the
  membership, the average OA member is a 44 year
  old woman who began eating compulsively at 14.
  She has been an OA member for over 4 years and
  has lost over 40 pounds. Her emotional and mental
  health is the aspect of her life that has most
  improved since joining OA.

36
The cost?

• Overeaters Anonymous has no dues or fees for
  membership. It is entirely self-supporting
  through contributions and sale of publications.
• Most groups "pass the basket" at meetings to
  cover expenses.
• OA does not solicit or accept outside
  contributions.

37
OA Stats

• Overeaters Anonymous has about 7,000 groups that
  meet each week in over 65 countries. With OA
  divided into 10 regions worldwide and nearly 400
  inter-groups, it helps thousands of compulsive
  overeaters find themselves through a threefold
  recovery physical, emotional, and spiritual.

38
The Magazine

• Lifeline is the international monthly magazine of
  Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. The true stories in
  Lifeline, written by OA members, share the
  challenges and triumphs of recovery from
  compulsive overeating. Lifeline publishes a list
  of monthly topics and questions to encourage
  members to share their stories of experience,
  strength, and hope.

39
Nutrisystem

• Available at
• http//www.nutrisystem.com

40
Overall approach

• Diet is based on Nutrisystem's prepackaged
  foods. The prepackaged meals are ordered on-line
  from the company website which are delivered to
  the clients home.
• The plan provides approximately 55 of calories
  from low glycemic index carbohydrates, 25 of
  calories from protein, and 20 of calories from
  fat.
• There is no membership fee. Clients pay for the
  cost of foods. There are no face-to-face meetings
  with a counselor, individuals communicate with
  weight loss counselors via telephone or online.

41
Types of Diet Plans

• Women's Program
• Men's Program
• Women's Silver Program
• Men's Silver Program
• Women's Diabetic Program
• Men's Diabetic Program
• Vegetarian Program

Each of these now comes in AdvancedTM form.
42
Diet Plans

• What is NutriSystem Advanced? The NEW
  NutriSystem Advanced program contains omega-3
  fatty acids and soluble fiber to increase the
  feeling of fullness.
• The basic components of the new NutriSystem
  Advanced includes
• OmegaSol - a blend of omega-3 fatty acids and
  soluble fiber to increase the feeling of fullness
  and promote heart health
• NutriSol - soluble fiber that promotes
  gastrointestinal health and helps control hunger
• Gylcemic Advantage - use of low glycemic index
  foods to help promote weight loss

43
How to enroll?

• Clients log-on, decide on a recommended meal plan
  and order their food. Once the food arrives,
  they're ready to go.
• The website is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
  week.

44
Benefit of meal plan as stated by the program

• Great Nutrition
• Proper Balance
• Unbeatable Convenience
• Inexpensive
• Appropriate portion sizes, optimal
  amounts of proteins and fats, low glycemic index
  carbohydrates and delivered to clients doorstep.
  Freezer to table in minutes.

45
What does the free membership include?

• Unlimited Counseling and Support Services
• New Nourish Catalog
• The Daily Dose
• Online Newsletter
• Online Classes
• Online Bulletin Boards and Chat Rooms
• Online Weight Loss Diary
• Member Profile Section

46
Healthful lifestyle features

• Clients determine weekly goals with consultants,
  often focusing on exercise. Brochures on health
  topics are also available with three-month and
  12-month programs. Exercise video and audio tapes
  are available at extra cost.

47
Cost and results

• Cost is about 330.00 per month, or about 11 per
  day for all meals.
• Expected weight loss no more than two pounds
  weekly. Program length varies according to
  weight-loss goals.

48
Included in the monthly supply

• 28 breakfasts28 lunches28 dinners and...28
  snacks/desserts
• There is the incentive of an extra week of food
  for free by ordering a months worth of meals
  online.

49
Analysis

• Pros
• Portion control.
• Convenience, meals are prepared or need very
  little preparation.
• Cons
• Expensive.
• Weak on lifestyle education component.
• No face-to-face contact with health
  professionals.
• Not much group support. Members communicate via
  website by posting success stories.

50
Diet center

• Available at
• http//www.dietcenter.com/temps/index.cfm

51
At the DietCenter you will receive

• Step-by-Step Dieting Guides
• Customized Food Menus
• Daily weigh-ins
• Special One-on-One Counseling
• Reviews of Daily food lists
• Body Measurements (every 4 weeks)
• Body Composition Analysis (every 4 weeks)
• A week-by-week supply of our special Chewable
  Diet Supplement

52
Overall approach

• Offers 2 different diet and weight loss programs
  designed for various lifestyles and to maximize
  weight loss needs
• Exclusively You- Personalized Diet Plan
• Instant Shape Up

53
Exclusively You - Personalized Diet Plan

• Provides client with
• A personalized "Exclusively YouTM" weight loss
  program
• Step-by-Step Dieting Guides
• Flexible, weekly meal plans
• Customized food menus
• Optional Essentials 1 week Supplement Kit so you
  can follow the program just as if you had a
  licensed center within your area!
• Weekly Weigh-Ins
• Weekly Weigh-In Progress Reports
• Body Measurement Progress Reports

54
Exclusively You - Personalized Diet Plan

• Provides the following
• Continuous Support from the Online Information
  Center, including
• Weight Loss Tips
• Nutritional Tips
• Behavioral Tips
• Exercise Tips
• These weekly tips are delivered through e-mails
  and posted on the member bulletin boards each
  week!

55
Exclusively You - Personalized Diet Plan

• Exclusively YouTM Four Phase Weight Loss Plan
  provides
• Conditioning
• Reducing
• Stabilization
• Maintenance

56
Exclusively You Personalized Diet Plan

• In the conditioning phase they suggest Success
  to goTM 7 Day Diet Kit, which includes
• 3 Days of Instant Shape Up Productsfor a fast,
  healthy start
• Chewable Diet Supplementto help curb hunger and
  irritability and increase energy!
• Antioxidant Formulato fight free radicals and
  promote good health!
• Cal-Magfor strong bones, good health, and a
  successful diet!
• Vitamin and Mineral Formulato keep you healthy
  and avoid illness!

57
Exclusively you Personalized Diet Plan

• To continue with the plan, one must purchase
  additional One Week Essentials Kits. The
  essentials kit contains the chewable diet
  supplement plus the multi-vitamin, antioxidant
  and cal-mag Formulas.

58
Instant Shape-Up

• An aggressive meal replacement program which has
  recently been reformulated to be lower in
  carbohydrates and higher in protein
• Also designed to be versatile, it is used for the
  three day Conditioning Phase of Exclusively You
  to jump start weight loss or can be used for
  members who have reached a temporary plateau.
• Consists of three meal replacement meals per day
  followed by a wholesome meal in the evening from
  fresh, grocery store foods.

59
Instant Shape-up

• A Personalized "Instant Shape UpTM" weight loss
  program
• Step-by-Step Dieting Guides
• Customized Food Menus
• Daily weigh-ins
• Special One-on-One Counseling
• Reviews of Daily food lists
• Body Measurements (every 4 weeks)
• Body Composition Analysis(every 4 weeks)
• A week-by-week supply of Chewable Diet Supplement

60
Components of the Program

• The Exclusively MeTM Behavior Management Program,
  provides information on
• Nutrition - Making wise food selections
• Behavior Modification - Learning good habits to
  change your life
• Self Direction - Starting to trust your judgment
• Stress Management - Using Relaxation/
  Visualization techniques
• Sensible Exercise - Activity tips for good health

61
Diet Center

• Provides supplements that
• Help make losing weight easier
• Help curb hunger by helping stabilize blood sugar
  level
• Have the ingredients which help metabolize
  proteins, fats, and carbohydrates most
  effectively
• Provide needed energy during your diet
• The program states that for more than 30 years
  these supplements have been the foundation of
  Diet Center's successful weight loss programs.

62
Analysis

• Pros
• Convenient.
• Takes guesswork out of portion sizes.
• Cons
• Plan tends to be heavily reliant on
  supplementation.
• Price information is difficult to find.
• No group support.

63
Health Management Resources

• Available at http//www.yourbetterhealth.com

64
Overall approach

• Makes use of a very low calorie diet (VLCD).
• Consists of meal replacers low-calorie shakes or
  entrees.
• Meal replacers are nutritious and filling with
  the capacity to save an individual hundreds of
  calories per day.
• The specialization of HMR is rapid and
  significant weight loss.
• Weekly classes teach the specific "how to's" for
  successful weight management. Personal weight
  loss coaches provide support and encouragement.

65
Programs

• HMR Clinic Programs
• Decision-Free Program
• Healthy Solutions Program
• Support for Clinic Programs
• HMR at Home Programs
• Healthy Solutions Kit
• HMR Healthy Shakes Kit

66
Healthy Solutions Quick Start Diet Kit Contents

• A three-week supply of
• 44 assorted HMR Entrees
• 72 servings of HMR low-calorie shakes/pudding mix
  
• Quick Start Guide steps toward weight loss
• Program Support Guide a step-by-step guide to
  planning a Healthy Solutions Quick Start
  Diet Program
• Weekly Progress Chart for keeping track of
  progress, including exercise

67
Clinic Programs

• HMR Decision Free Diet
• HMRs premier program for people with 40 pounds
  or more to lose. Lots of structure and support.
  No decisions. Rapid weight loss. Medical
  supervision is provided.
• HMR Healthy Solutions Diet
• Ideal for anyone who wants to achieve significant
  weight loss without the need for medical
  supervision. Structured while providing lots of
  variety.

68
HMR Decision Free Diet

• The Decision-Free Program includes
• A structured, easy-to-follow, and filling diet
• Weekly group meetings at a local medical center
• Lifestyle education with individual plans for
  building healthy eating habits and practicing
  doable levels of physical activity
• Weekly coaching calls with a trained HMR Health
  Educator
• Plus medical supervision and proven results!

69
HMR Healthy Solutions Diet

• The Healthy Solutions Program includes
• A structured, easy-to-follow, and filling diet
  with HMR foods and fruits and vegetables of your
  choice
• Weekly group meetings at a local clinic/medical
  center
• Lifestyle education with individual plans for
  building healthy eating habits and practicing
  doable levels of physical activity
• Weekly coaching calls with a trained HMR Health
  Educator
• And proven results!

70
Clinic Programs -Plan

• Use Meal Replacements HMR meal replacements are
  delicious, low-calorie shakes, meals, nutrition
  bars, and multigrain hot cereal that are used in
  place of other meals and snacks.
• Eat Fruits and Vegetables Mix vegetables and
  fruits are mixed with HMR meal replacements, the
  result is a satisfying, filling, and extremely
  nutritious meal.
• Do Physical Activity Physical activity is
  essential for successful weight management,
  especially long-term.
• Additional weight-loss strategies
• Quick Start follow HMR program closely
  especially in the first weeks, lose more weight
• More Is Better more meal replacements, fruits,
  and vegetables

71
Healthful lifestyle features

• Recommends burning minimum of 2,000 calories/week
  in physical activity.
• Addresses lifestyle issues in weekly classes and
  personal counseling.
• Dieters assigned personal coaches for weekly
  meetings or calls.
• Receive health risk appraisal.

72
Price of Food items
11 assorted entrees38.50 plus 9.95 in shipping
costs. The following are also available 5
Shakes, 4 Bars, Hot Cereal, and Chicken
Soup Prices for the other food items are not
listed.
73
Website

• HMR weight loss foods should not be used as a
  sole source of nutrition without medical
  approval. These products are not to be used
  without medical supervision if total daily
  calorie intake is less than 800 calories. These
  products are not intended for use by infants,
  children, or pregnant and lactating women.
  Consult a physician before starting any diet.

74
Analysis

• Cons
• Expensive.
• Requires prepackaged food and strong commitment
  to exercise
• May be difficult to transition to regular foods
• Side effects of VLCD include intolerance to
  cold, constipation, dizziness, dry skin, and
  headache

Pros Few eating decisions Emphasizes
exercise Supervised by health professionals Often
covered by insurance
75
Jenny Craig

• Available at
• http//www.jennycraig.com/

76
Program Options

• Jenny Craig Platinum
• Jenny Rewards
• Jenny Tune-up
• Special Trial Offer
• Plans are based on what the individual wants out
  of the program, and each provides one-on-one
  support from weight loss consultant.

77
Jenny Craig Platinum

• Here's what you'll get
• Planned and Personalized Menus
• Personalized Activity and Motivational Plans
• Product Discounts
• YourStyle personalized profile
• One-on-One Consultations
• Weight Loss Success Manuals/Guides
• Weight Maintenance Support
• Online Support at jennycraig.com
• 24/7 Customer Care Support

78
Jenny Rewards

• Here's what you'll get
• Food discounts that grow as you continue on this
  program, save up to 35!
• Planned and Personalized Menus
• Personalized Activity and Motivational Plans
• Product Discounts
• YourStyle personalized profile
• One-on-One Consultations
• Weight Loss Success Manuals/Guides
• Weight Maintenance Support
• Online Support at jennycraig.com
• 24/7 Customer Care Support

79
Jenny Tune Up

• Here's what you'll get
• Planned and Personalized Menus
• Personalized Activity and Motivational Plans
• One-on-One Consultations
• Weight Loss Tools
• Online Support at jennycraig.com
• 24/7 Customer Care Support

80
Jenny Trial

• On-line sign in to receive a special offer along
  with a free membership to myJenny, online tools
  and support to help in reaching individual weight
  loss goals.

81
Overall approach

• Food (Eating Healthy)
• Choice, convenience, value, and nutrition are
  described as the benefits of Jenny Craigs
  frozen cuisines.
• Claims to take the guesswork out of calorie
  counting, portion control, and nutrient balance.

82
Overall Approach

• 2. Mind (self awareness)
• Work with Jenny Craig consultant weekly to
• Track progress and celebrate successes
• Address any challenges and help stay motivated
• Teach new skills and habits for lasting change
• The program states that support makes all the
  difference.

83
Overall Approach

• 3. Being active (body)
• Works with the individual to
• Break through barriers to increase physical
  activity.
• Create a plan to boost energy and decrease
  stress.
• Learn to make the most from as little as 30
  minutes of activity a day.
• Get fitness and health tips for maintaining an
  active, playful life style.

84
Analysis

• Pros Little food preparation required. Plans
  available for vegetarians, people with diabetes,
  breast-feeding moms, and those on kosher diets.
• Cons Must rely on prepackaged foods, which makes
  dining out and socializing difficult. Lacks
  professional guidance at client level. Limited
  maintenance options.

85
Optifast

• Available at
• http//www.optifast.com/index.jsp

86
Optifast

• OPTIFAST treats the whole person not just
  weight. It combines support and counseling,
  comprehensive lifestyle education and medical
  monitoring with a great-tasting meal replacement
  to help people lose weight and significantly
  reduce weight-related health risks. One study of
  20,000 patients showed

87
Optifast

• The benefits include
• High-quality, complete nutrition
• Pre-portioned and calorie-controlled servings
• Quick and simple preparation
• Freedom from having to make food choices

88
Optifast

• The OPTIFAST Program includes ongoing medical
  monitoring, adjustment of medication and caloric
  level with weight loss.
• Medical monitoring includes
• A thorough medical examination, lab tests.
• A personalized weight loss plan.
• Continued medical monitoring.
• Communication with primary care physician, as
  necessary.

89
Optifast

• OPTIFAST personal support and lifestyle education
  include
• One-on-one counseling sessions with a physician,
  registered dietitian, or lifestyle counselor.
• Small group discussions led by a health care
  professional.
• Peer support from current and past OPTIFAST
  participants.
• Educational materials created especially for
  OPTIFAST patients.
• Customized activity plans appropriate to your
  fitness level and schedule.

90
Overall approach

• Medically supervised program of fortified
  liquid-meal replacements or prepackaged foods,
  eventually including regular foods.
• Designed for individuals who are 50 pounds or
  more overweight or who have a BMI of over 30.
• The treatment is only offered by physicians
  trained in obesity management.
• An initial medical and lifestyle evaluation plus
  ongoing medical monitoring is necessary to assure
  that participants remain in peak health while
  losing weight.

91
Cutting quality of diet?

• The products cut calories not nutrients. When
  used as directed, the 800-1500 kcal/day protocols
  each provide complete, balanced nutrition
  including at least 100 of the recommended daily
  intake for protein and all essential vitamins and
  minerals.

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Analysis

• Pros
• Close contact with health professionals
• Beneficial for people with serious health
  problems who need a low-calorie plan to promote
  quick weight loss
• Few eating decisions
• Often covered by insurance
• Cons
• Expensive
• Must rely on Optifast products during much of
  reducing phase
• May be difficult to transition from liquid diet
  to regular food

93
Medical Weight Loss Clinic

• http//www.mwlc.com/

94
Medical Weight Loss Clinic

• Medical Weight Loss Clinic is a Michigan-based
  company celebrating 21 years of professional,
  clinical experience.
• Thousands have joined and gained control of their
  weight.
• This year alone clients will lose in excess of
  two million pounds.
• There are 30 clinics, mainly in Michigan, but
  people can join a virtual clinic.

95
Medical Weight Loss Clinic

• The program involves the use of FDA approved
  medications.
• They are fully endorsed medications.
• Most people have little or no side effects.
• They are not amphetamines and are nonaddictive.

96
Medical Weight Loss Clinic

• The program is designed for people who have
  developed a subconscious food obsession and who
  have been unsuccessful at achieving and
  maintaining an ideal body weight.
• The prescription therapy program will be
  administered as part of a whole program with
  three vital components
• Counseling, which is the underlying success
  factor
• Moderate exercise
• Prescription therapy
• One-on-one visits three times per week,
  nutritional counseling.

97
Medical Weight Loss Clinic

• Virtual Clinic
• Personal Profiles
• Individual Counseling
• Daily Advice
• Weight Loss Charting
• Body Mass Index Calculator
• Weight Loss Chat Room
• Support Motivation
• Interactive Bulletin Board
• Nutritional Supplements Available in our Online
  Store
• Recipes and Nutritional Guides
• Herbal/Nutraceuticals Available Supplements
• Administered by Board Certified Doctors
• Internet Discounts
• Behavior Modifications Lessons

98
Cost
Plans Initial Price Billing Method
1 Month Rate 30.00 30 (no products included). 30.00 per month billed after 1 month.
2 Month Rate 60.00 60 (receive free variety box of nutritional supplements and a free variety box of bars). 30.00 per month billed after 2 months.
3 Month Rate 120.00 120 (receive your first week's supply of nutritional supplements and one free variety box of snack bars). 30 per month billed after 4 months.
4 Month Rate 180.00 180 ENROLL FOR 6 MONTHS AND GET FREE MONTH! (limited time only) (receive free 30/d supply of our weight loss enhancing PLUS Pills, first week's supply of nutritional supplements, and variety box of bars). 30/mo billed after 6/mo
99
Medical Weight Loss Clinic

• Pros
• Several programs
• In-person consultation
• Real food
• On-line version
• Healthy diet

• Cons
• In-person only in Michigan
• Expensive

100
LA Weight Loss

• http//www.la-weightloss.com/

101
LA Weight Loss

• Over 450 locations worldwide, including centers
  in the US, Canada, Costa Rica, and Puerto-Rico,
  LA Weight Loss is one of the fastest growing
  center-based Weight Loss Company in the world!
• Exclusively designed combination of healthy,
  well-balanced real foods, customized menu plans,
  and weekly one-on-one counseling, makes the
  program one of the most sought-after programs in
  the weight loss industry today.

102
LA Weight Loss

• LA Weight Loss is not a diet but a weight loss
  program.
• LA Weight Loss offers
• motivational one-on-one counseling
• a healthy menu plan
• tips for unique special occasions like vacations
  and dining out
• customized menus
• weekly meeting with a weight loss counselor,
  providing nutrition education, assistance in
  planning meals, a strategy for leading a more
  active lifestyle and, of course, plenty of
  healthy eating habits.

103
LA Weight Loss

• What the program offers
• Balance balanced meal plans consisting of
  protein, starches, fats, fruits, and snacks.
• Personalization series of programs based on
  lifestyle, personal preference, medical and
  weight loss factors. Customized menus.
• Accountability one-on-one counseling throughout.
  Weekly visits to the center to review diaries
  with your counselor, weigh-in.
• Flexibility/Variety regular foods you can buy at
  the grocery store or eat at restaurants.
• Easy-To-Follow no calorie or point counting. LA
  Lite Cookbook with quick, simple recipes that are
  easy to prepare.
• Satiety LA Weight Loss is not a starvation diet.
  Plenty of variety and calories.
• Maintenance LA Weight Loss features a full
  maintenance program including weekly visits for
  one-on-one counseling.

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Programs available

• Corporate Program
• LA Weight Loss Corporate Program is for employer
  and employees. The program completely free to
  employers and providing an exclusive discount
  offer to employees.
• Physician Alliance Program
• The Physician Alliance Program is a professional
  partnership formed by LA Weight Loss between
  medical and weight loss professionals as a
  practical solution for doctors to offer patients
  struggling with obesity and weight related
  ailments.
• Slim-Ed
• Teachers and school staff can take the special
  10-week summer program Slim-Ed. On the Slim-Ed
  program, teachers learn a variety of healthy
  eating habits and new behaviors
• Healthy Heroes
• LA Weight Loss has developed a program
  specifically for the public service workforce
  where they enjoy all the benefits of the
  Free-to-Live program, at a discounted rate. Its
  our way of showing our appreciation for keeping
  our communities safe and thriving.

105
LA Weight Loss

• Pros
• Specialized diets
• No points to count
• Eat regular foods
• Eat out
• Prepared foods available
• No appointment needed
• Recipes

• Cons
• Similar to many other programs
• Expensive

106
Curves for Women

• http//www.curves.com/

107
Curves for Women

• Curves is the largest fitness franchise in the
  world with 10,000 locations worldwide.
• Curves Clubs can be found in 55 countries,
  including the United States, Canada, Europe,
  South America, The Caribbean, Mexico, Australia,
  New Zealand, South Africa, and Japan.
• A fitness and weight loss facility dedicated to
  providing affordable, one-stop exercise and
  nutritional information for women.
• Includes Curves Complete, an online companion to
  Curves gym membership. With round-the-clock
  access to tons of delicious, healthy recipes, a
  personalized exercise plan and weight loss tips.

108
Curves for Women

• Curves 6 Week Solution. Six weeks of small,
  intimate classes where you'll learn how to lose
  weight and keep it off for good.
• It Revs Your MetabolismIt Allows You to Eat -
  five small meals rather than three large ones.
• It Offers a Wide Variety of Food high protein
  or high carbohydrate. The protein intake ranges
  from 30 to 45 depending on the solution that
  you choose. No foods are off-limits.
• It's Healthful
• It's a Diet You Can Stick With
• Permanent Results Without Permanent Dieting
• It Works

109
Curves for Women

• Gym membership
• Well rounded exercise program with aerobic and
  strength training
• Members receive Diane magazine
• Nutrition and diet information
• Free on-line membership with gym membership

110
Curves for Women

• Great benefits of on-line membership include
• Delicious Meal Plans
• Complete with printable shopping lists
• Enjoyable and easy-to-make substitutions
• Zero point counting!
• Nutritional Expertise
• Advice designed for women
• Answers for all your questions
• A database of 30,000 healthy foods
• Fitness Logs
• Workouts to choose from
• Tools to track your progress
• Recommendations as your fitness needs change
• Robust Community
• Other members to connect with 24/7
• Safe space to give and receive motivational
  support
• Success stories to keep you going!

111
Curves for Women

• Pros
• Includes exercise and diet information
• Free on-line membership
• Widely available

• Cons
• Expensive
• Membership required to access on-line information

112
Sites visited

• http//www.weightwatchers.com/index.aspx
• http//www.tops.org
• http//www.oa.org/index.htm
• http//www.nutrisystem.com
• http//www.dietcenter.com/temps/index.cfm
• http//www.yourbetterhealth.com
• http//www.jennycraig.com/
• http//www.optifast.com/index.jsp

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Pennington Biomedical Research Center

• Heli Roy, PhD, RD
• Beth Kalicki
• Division of EducationPhillip Brantley, PhD,
  DirectorPennington Biomedical Research
  CenterClaude Bouchard, PhD, Executive Director
• Edited October 2009

114
About Our Company

• The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a
  world-renowned nutrition research center.
•  
• Mission
• To promote healthier lives through research and
  education in nutrition and preventive medicine.
•  
• The Pennington Center has several research areas,
  including
•  
• Clinical Obesity Research
• Experimental Obesity
• Functional Foods
• Health and Performance Enhancement
• Nutrition and Chronic Diseases
• Nutrition and the Brain
• Dementia, Alzheimers and healthy aging
• Diet, exercise, weight loss and weight loss
  maintenance
•  
• The research fostered in these areas can have a
  profound impact on healthy living and on the
  prevention of common chronic diseases, such as
  heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and
  osteoporosis.
•  
• The Division of Education provides education and
  information to the scientific community and the
  public about research findings, training programs
  and research areas, and coordinates educational
  events for the public on various health issues.