For over half a century, Duke Health has been at the forefront of weight management, offering comprehensive programs designed to help individuals achieve sustainable weight loss and improve their overall health. These programs, encompassing medical, nutritional, behavioral, and fitness components, are tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant. If you've struggled with weight loss on your own, Duke's multifaceted approach may provide the support and expertise you need to transform your life.
Comprehensive Consultation and Medical Management
The journey begins with a thorough evaluation by Duke's weight management specialists. This initial consultation involves a detailed discussion of your medical history, focusing on factors relevant to your weight, such as eating habits, activity levels, and any weight-related behavioral issues. This in-depth assessment forms the foundation for a personalized treatment plan.
Exams and Tests
To gain a clear understanding of your current health status, you'll undergo a series of baseline and periodic physical examinations and tests. These assessments monitor key indicators, including:
- Weight
- Waist circumference
- Blood pressure
- Blood cholesterol levels
- Triglycerides
- Glucose levels
Regular monitoring of these parameters allows the medical team to track your progress and make necessary adjustments to your weight loss plan.
Nutrition Consultation and Personalized Plans
A cornerstone of Duke's weight management programs is personalized nutrition guidance. Registered dietitians/nutritionists conduct thorough nutrition assessments to understand your individual needs and health goals. They collaborate with you to create a nutrition plan that promotes healthier eating habits and supports your weight loss journey. Your nutritionist will take into account your personal preferences, lifestyle, and any dietary restrictions to develop a sustainable and enjoyable eating plan. The Duke Diet and Fitness Center emphasizes smart nutrition to promote natural weight loss. Participants of the weight-loss programs receive snacks as well as three gourmet meals on weekdays and two on weekends. Each meal plan is personalized for individual participants and prepared by an executive chef.
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Emotional Wellness and Behavioral Health Counseling
Duke recognizes the crucial role of emotional well-being in achieving lasting weight loss. Behavioral health counseling is offered to address underlying emotional and behavioral patterns that may hinder your progress. These sessions can help you identify and manage issues such as:
- Binge eating
- Emotional eating
- Mindless eating
- Self-image concerns
- Anxiety
- Life stress
By addressing these emotional factors, you can develop healthier coping mechanisms and build a stronger foundation for long-term success.
Complementary Treatments and Wellness Resources
To complement the core components of the weight management program, Duke offers a range of complementary treatments and wellness resources. Participants may choose to engage in programs, workshops, and classes through the Duke Integrative Medicine Center or the Duke Health and Fitness Center.
The Duke Health & Fitness Center provides access to:
- Fitness and wellness classes
- Exercise equipment
- A pool
- Sauna
- Personal training
- Nutritional consultations
- Massage therapy
- Medically-based exercise programs
Membership to the Duke Health & Fitness Center is open to the public, providing ongoing support for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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Research and Innovation in Obesity Management
Duke is committed to advancing the field of obesity management through research and innovation. The Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) and the Duke Margolis Institute for Health Policy are collaborating to establish a platform for:
- Characterizing obesity management patterns
- Understanding treatment responses
- Addressing barriers to clinical trials
This comprehensive project aims to gain a deeper understanding of the real-world populations affected by obesity, identify barriers to effective interventions, and address health disparities. The ultimate goal is to develop randomized interventional point-of-care trial protocols that improve patient care and outcomes.
Bariatric Surgery Coverage at Duke
For eligible individuals, Duke Select, Blue Care and Duke Options plans provide bariatric surgery coverage, provided all eligibility criteria are met. However, bariatric surgery is not covered under the Duke Basic plan. Employees must have two years of continuous service with Duke University or Duke University Health System to be eligible for this benefit. A copay of $2,500 is required at the time of the surgical procedure. If you permanently reside in the state of North Carolina, the surgery is covered only if performed at Duke Regional Hospital by a Duke Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery Center surgeon and you meet the requirements of the Duke Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery Center. The benefit provides for one bariatric surgery procedure per lifetime. It does provide for lap band adjustments, even if the surgery was performed elsewhere. A revision of a previous bariatric surgical procedure will be covered if you meet the required medical criteria for the revision.
Pre- and Post-Surgical Support
The bariatric surgery program includes an "Evaluation" component to educate patients and inform the surgeon's decision-making process. Once a patient is deemed an appropriate candidate for surgery, a comprehensive "package" of services is provided, including the surgery itself and post-operative care.
Important Considerations for Bariatric Surgery Coverage
- The $2,500 copay applies to the surgery only.
- Nutritional visits at the Duke Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery Center will count toward benefit limits.
- Complications arising from surgery covered under another policy or self-pay will only be covered if due to a medical emergency and only until the patient is stabilized.
LIVE FOR LIFE’s Pre-Bariatric Health Coaching Program
Individuals planning to undergo bariatric surgery at Duke can enroll in LIVE FOR LIFE’s Pathways to Change health coaching program. This program is specifically tailored to prepare patients for the upcoming procedure. Completion of other LIVE FOR LIFE lifestyle management health coaching programs will not meet the surgery requirements.
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Duke Children's Healthy Lifestyles Program
The Duke Children’s Healthy Lifestyles Program is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary childhood obesity treatment clinic located in Durham, NC. The Healthy Lifestyles Program is a family-based intervention for children with a body mass index (BMI) over the 95th percentile. The team includes medical, dietary, exercise, and mental health professionals to serve as your “team” along that journey. Our role is to provide you and your family with all the science-based and effective treatment options available to you. This is different for every child, and may include lifestyle support, community-based recreation programming, medications, and/or surgery. We will assess your child’s whole health, including physical, medical, dietary, and emotional well-being.
Duke Diet and Fitness Center
For more than 40 years, the Duke Diet and Fitness Center has been committed to helping individuals achieve a life of health and wellness. As of June 2020, Duke Diet & Fitness Center has suspended its residential program. The weight-loss programs are run with the assistance of trained physicians and offered in three different options of varying lengths of stay. These include four-week, two-three week, or one-week weight loss programs. The Duke Diet and Fitness Center also offers outpatient services such as the Optifast Program and the Bod Pod. While the Duke Diet and Fitness Center is residential in nature, guests are responsible for their own housing arrangements. There are many options for accommodations in Durham, NC including in nearby hotels. Clients of the Duke Diet and Fitness Center will have a team of specialists to create personalized programs suited to the needs of the individual. These specialists use the most up-to-date medical knowledge and focus on both nutrition and exercise to optimize the plan of each participant.
Nutrition at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center
Another option for outpatients is the OPTIFAST program, which uses a strategy based on meal replacement.
Activities at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center
At the Duke Diet and Fitness Center, participants have access to spa services including massage therapy and trigger point sessions. There is an activities coordinator who plans outings for center guests after dinner during the week. These outings may include sporting events and other live performances, shopping, and museum trips. There are also on-site activities available at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center such as lectures, movies, and games.
Location and Transportation
The Duke Diet and Fitness Center is located in Durham, NC off the Durham Freeway right next to Duke University. It is recommended that clients either bring their own cars or rent a car while at the center as transportation is not provided. The center is right next to the Duke campus near downtown Durham. It is also across 501 from Duke Forest and the university golf club, both of which are open to the public.
Program Costs
Duke Diet and Fitness Center program prices vary based on length of stay, ranging from $2,975 for one week to $8,385 for four weeks. A $500 deposit is also required for all clients upon booking, although refunds may be granted based on time of cancellation before the client’s expected arrival date. The Duke Diet and Fitness Center is on the expensive end, but for the price, clients get a team of specialists who create personalized care for the individual. While the goal is whole-body health-physical, emotional, and mental-there is a special emphasis on nutrition and exercise for healthy weight loss.
Insurance and Payment Information
Duke Health contracts with most major health insurance carriers and transplant networks. It is strongly recommended that you contact your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment to verify that the Duke Health location or provider you plan to visit is included in your network. Your insurance company can also inform you of any co-payments, co-insurances, or deductibles that will be your responsibility.
Transportation and Accessibility
Plan your trip to Duke Lifestyle and Weight Management Center through GoDurham bus routes 6 and 11A/11B or GoTriangle bus routes 400 and 405. The closest bus stops are Douglas St at Pratt St and Erwin Rd at Downing St. Duke Transit provides free bus service to the Duke University Medical Center campus for students, employees, patients, and visitors.