Health Management Resources (HMR)
Approach/Method: This medically supervised program
for high-risk or moderate weight loss patients combines a
nutritionally complete diet with intensive lifestyle
education. Options include a very low-calorie diet which
promotes rapid weight-loss under medical supervision
(520800 calories/day) and Healthy SolutionsTM, a weight-loss option that includes
fruits, vegetables and other low fat foods (1,0001,600
calories/day). Both diets include the use of weight-loss
shakes as meal replacements. Either option is available with
or without the use of weight-loss medications. Mandatory,
weekly 90-minute group
classes focus on learning new skills for overall health
management. Health risk appraisal is available for every
client. A long-term maintenance program and individual
counseling are also available.
Clients: Appropriate for individuals who want to
lose 10 pounds or more than 200 pounds. Pregnant or
lactating women or those with acute substance abuse may not
participate in the program. The very low-calorie diet option
requires your doctors
written approval if you have any obesity-related diseases.
Staff: The program was developed by medical doctors,
registered dietitians, registered nurses, and psychologists.
Each location has at least one medical doctor and health
educator on staff. You are assigned a "personal
coach" (RDs, exercise physiologists, health educators)
who help you learn and practice weight-management skills.
Dieters on the very low-calorie diet option see a medical
doctor or nurse weekly.
Expected Weight Loss/Length of Program: Weight loss
averages one to five pounds weekly. The weight-loss phase
varies according to your weight-loss goals, but averages
12-20 weeks. The maintenance program is recommended for up
to 18 months.
Cost: Costs vary depending on the diet chosen and
medical conditions. The cost of the very low-calorie diet
(VLCD), weight-loss phase is $70 per week for program fees
and $58 per week for product. The maintenance fee for the
VLCD is $21.50 per week. Healthy Solutions TM averages $20 per week for program fees
and $32 per week for
product. The maintenance fee for Healthy SolutionsTM is $21.50 per week. Product
purchases during maintenance are optional. Costs may be
covered by insurance.
Healthy Lifestyle Components: Health risk appraisals
are available. The program encourages physical activity as a
means for weight loss and weight maintenance. It recommends
patients eat a diet with no more than 30 percent of calories
from fat and at least 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables
per week. The program teaches the "how-tos" of
healthier living in weekly classes and through personal
coaching.
Comments: There are few decisions about what to eat.
The program is supervised by a health professional. Side
effects of very low-calorie diets include intolerance to
cold, constipation, dizziness, dry skin, and headaches. All
options include weight-loss shakes, which are very high in
protein, even at the higher calorie levels.
Availability: 200+ hospitals and medical settings
nationwide.
Headquarters: Boston, MA. 1-800-467-6467.
Information supplied by HMR.
