Information for Patients

AN EFFECTIVE PROGRAM FOR WEIGHT CONTROL

The UAMS Program for Weight Loss and Metabolic Control is a multifaceted, individualized approach to the correction and control of chronic adult obesity. The program is tailored to each patient's medical needs and consists of several dietary phases with the support of behavior modification, individual counseling, and prescribed exercise.

There are three distinct phases of the program:

1. Weight Loss

2. Refeeding, Weight Stabilization, and Maintenance

3. Long-term Follow-up

Each phase has its own dietary plan and each is supplemented by a specific behavior modification and/or nutrition syllabus. Patients must participate in all aspects of the program, because we feel that a "healthy weight" can only be maintained by adopting a life-style with improved eating and exercise habits.

WHAT KIND OF DIET IS THIS?

The UAMS Program For Weight Loss And Metabolic Control begins with a nutritionally-balanced low fat diet, which may incorporate dietary supplements, and progresses through stages of refeeding with lean basic foods. UAMS is the exclusive provider of the HealthOne dietary supplement for the state of Arkansas.

In the initial phases of the program, we recommend that you eat only small amounts of regular foods. Instead, you "eat" 800-1000 calories per day, in the form of a nutritionally balanced food supplement containing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. This pre-measured, pleasant tasting powder, mixed with water or other low-calorie beverage, provides the nutrients necessary to minimize hunger and maintain healthy tissues throughout your body. In this phase, you also drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to maintain your proper health and hydration. You will report to the program weekly, where you will be carefully monitored, meet with one of our physicians, and attend a class in Behavior Modification or Nutrition, taught by a trained professional.

When you and your program physician agree that you are close to your goal weight and can resume regular foods, usually at about 5% above your goal weight, you will be gradually re-introduced to food. Your physician, along with a dietitian, will assist you in there-introduction of various foods and combinations to suit your individual needs. Strict adherence to the prescribed menu and behavior modification techniques will permit you to complete the program in the healthiest fashion.

In the UAMS Program For Weight Loss And Metabolic Control, we believe that changes in lifestyle, leading to permanent weight loss, are of utmost importance. We want this to be the last "weight loss program" you ever attend. For this reason, we are careful about the use of "diet drugs", which may lead to weight loss that is only temporary, and which may have dangerous side effects. However, as new and improved diet drugs become available, we will be able to prescribe them to selected patients.

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION - YOUR ESSENTIAL TECHNIQUE FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS

During each visit to the center you will participate in our behavior modification program. Maintaining your weight loss means learning not only new eating and exercise habits, but also developing new attitudes about food and time priorities. The process of change can be an exciting learning experience. Each week you will attend a behavior modification class taught by an expert in behavior change. You will focus on learning behaviors which have been found in research studies to be effective in maintaining weight loss.

Most importantly, you will learn skills relevant to your present lifestyle, enabling you to eat in restaurants or at parties, as well as at home, without gaining weight. Intensive calorie counting and nutrition skills are provided. In addition the development of a personalized exercise program is a key habit goal of this program.

Finally, to provide the long-term support for these exciting habit changes, a weekly follow-up support group is made available to all graduates of the UAMS Program For Weight Loss And Metabolic Control.

All of these techniques will assist you in altering your established eating habits and achieving your ultimate goal of long-term weight control.

ONE OF THE BEST WEIGHT LOSS METHODS AVAILABLE

At the UAMS Program For Weight Loss And Metabolic Control, you can expect to lose weight at a steady pace. Although you will initially lose some "water weight", your weight loss will then continue at a prudent, steady rate, week after week. The rate of weight loss will vary, depending on your age, weight, exercise, etc. When you start the program, we will help you predict the approximate duration of your diet. At each visit, you will be required to weigh in, have appropriate laboratory tests taken, be examined by your program physician, and attend behavior modification groups. Individual medical problems are handled in close communication with your primary care physician. This regimen is designed to guard your physical and emotional health while assuring your long-term weight maintenance.

To remain in the program, you must be committed to full and responsible participation. If you must miss a weekly appointment for business or personal reasons, you may make special arrangements with your program physician and our coordinator.

The UAMS Program For Weight Loss And Metabolic Control is different from the other diets you have probably tried. This program may be your best opportunity to lose weight and keep the pounds off for years to come.

For more information call (501) 603-1497
Clinic Fax (501) 526-4743