For over half a century, Duke University has been at the forefront of helping individuals achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle through its comprehensive weight loss programs. Located in Durham, NC, the Duke Diet and Fitness Center and the Duke Lifestyle and Weight Management Center offer a range of services designed to address the multifaceted challenges of weight management. These programs are suitable for individuals of all ages and sizes, providing a medically sound and supportive environment.
Comprehensive Weight Management at Duke
Duke University's approach to weight loss extends beyond simple dieting. It involves a holistic strategy that considers medical, nutritional, behavioral, and fitness aspects. The university offers various programs, including the Duke Diet and Fitness Center, the Duke Lifestyle and Weight Management Center, and specialized clinics within Duke Primary Care.
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
The journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with a weight management specialist. This initial evaluation includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, eating and activity habits, and any weight-related behavioral issues. The goal is to understand the individual's unique challenges and create a personalized plan.
Exams and Tests
To assess your overall health and identify potential underlying issues, you will undergo baseline and periodic physical examinations and tests. These assessments measure weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels.
Personalized Nutrition Plans
A cornerstone of Duke's weight management programs is the personalized nutrition consultation. Registered dietitians/nutritionists conduct thorough assessments to understand your specific needs and goals. They then collaborate with you to create a nutrition plan that promotes healthier eating habits and supports your weight loss journey.
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Addressing Emotional Wellness
Recognizing the critical role of mental health in weight management, Duke offers behavioral health counseling. These sessions help you identify and address behaviors and emotions that may hinder successful weight loss, such as binge eating, emotional and mindless eating, self-image concerns, anxiety, and life stress.
Fitness and Exercise Programs
The Duke Health & Fitness Center provides a wide range of resources to support your fitness goals. These include fitness and wellness classes, exercise equipment, a pool, and a sauna. Additionally, personal training, nutritional consultations, massage therapy, and medically-based exercise programs are available.
Getting on Track Program
The eight-week "Getting on Track" program nurtures both body and mind through weekly interactive sessions. Participants engage in group exercise, health coaching, and lectures, and receive personalized nutrition and exercise plans. This program is available both in person and virtually via Zoom.
Medical Weight Loss Management
For individuals who have struggled to lose weight independently, Duke offers medically supervised weight loss treatments. Duke weight management specialists oversee these treatments, helping you change your eating habits, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, lose weight, and maintain your weight loss.
Duke Primary Care Virtual Weight Management Clinic
Current Duke Primary Care patients can access virtual weight management appointments. These consultations, conducted by select providers, focus on weight loss medication, behavior modification, and goal setting. Patients can also connect with registered dietitians and health coaches.
Read also: The Science Behind the Duke Diet
Identifying Underlying Causes of Obesity
Duke's weight management specialists focus on diagnosing underlying factors that may be contributing to weight gain. By identifying these issues, they can develop targeted treatment plans or refer you to the appropriate specialists.
Bariatric Surgery
For some individuals, bariatric surgery may be a viable option. Duke can refer suitable candidates to its team of bariatric specialists. Weight loss surgery, combined with permanent lifestyle changes, can provide lasting benefits for those who have been unsuccessful with other methods.
Log2Lose Research Project
Duke University is also involved in the Log2Lose project, an 18-month research study in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin. This project focuses on helping people build healthier lifestyle habits through a well-researched weight management program led by Registered Dietitians. Participants receive personalized support and feedback through online group classes and one-on-one phone calls, and are encouraged to track their weight and food intake using a cell phone app.
Insurance and Accessibility
Duke Health contracts with most major health insurance carriers and transplant networks. It is recommended to contact your insurance company to verify coverage before scheduling an appointment. The Duke Lifestyle and Weight Management Center is accessible via GoDurham bus routes 6 and 11A/11B and GoTriangle bus routes 400 and 405. Duke Transit also provides free bus service to the Duke University Medical Center campus.
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