The HMR (Health Management Resources) program is a structured weight-loss and lifestyle-change program designed to help individuals lose weight and build healthier routines that last. For over 40 years, HMR has assisted more than half a million people in their weight loss journeys, teaching healthy lifestyle skills for long-term weight management. U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked the HMR program as a leading option, particularly recognizing it as a "Best Diet for Weight Loss." In 2024, HMR and Profile Plan (a weight loss solutions and nutrition company established by Sanford Health) merged, with Profile Plan now officially part of HMR. The merger has also meant some changes to the program offerings, including new one-on-one coaching services, more personalized meal plans based on individual goals and needs and some new food products.
How the HMR Program Works
The HMR program operates on a two-phase plan, incorporating structured meal plans and behavioral coaching to foster long-lasting, healthy lifestyle behaviors and habits. Participants can engage in the program either at home or in person at a local HMR weight loss clinic.
Phase 1: Weight Loss
Phase 1 focuses on consistent, decision-free weight loss through a highly structured diet. Participants follow a high-volume diet using a full line of HMR foods, with or without the addition of fruits and vegetables, depending on the specific diet plan chosen. This structured, meal replacement-based approach minimizes decision-making, allowing individuals to take a break from their current food routines and make losing weight easier.
Key Components of Phase 1:
- HMR Shakes: These shakes are high in volume and nutrient-dense, providing an excellent source of protein, calcium, and low-fat dairy. Members are typically required to consume at least three vitamin-fortified shakes per day. HMR also offers naturally sweetened Multigrain Hot Cereal as a nutritionally equivalent shake substitution.
- HMR Entrees: These portion-controlled, prepared entrees are all below 300 calories, contain less than 630mg of sodium, and provide at least 10g of protein per meal. They are low in saturated fat and added sugars, and shelf-stable for convenience. The entree line includes a variety of nutritious options such as whole grains, vegetables, lean meat, and plant protein. Several options are also vegetarian and celiac-friendly.
- Fruits & Vegetables: The Healthy Solutions plan incorporates at least five full cups of fruits and vegetables per day. Participants are encouraged to build skills with produce and expand their variety with these foods, helping them incorporate these nutrient-dense foods into their eating routines for better long-term weight and health management.
Additional aspects of Phase 1 include:
- Medical supervision: Medical supervision is provided if needed.
- Weekly classes: Weekly classes are available for inspiration and connection with fellow members.
- Health Coach support: Extra insights and follow-up are provided by a Health Coach every week.
- Team support: A team of weight-management professionals are dedicated to patient success.
Expected Results:
- Average weight loss in the in-person Decision-Free program (only HMR foods) is 43-66 lbs in 12-26 weeks.
- Average weight loss for the Healthy Solutions program (HMR foods plus fruits and vegetables) is 28-37.5 lbs in 12-26 weeks.
Phase 2: Weight Loss Maintenance
Phase 2 focuses on establishing healthier habits for life after weight loss, or when dieting momentum slows down. During this phase, participants continue to practice and build skills that are essential for maintaining weight loss, such as meal planning, shopping and meal preparation tips, navigating restaurant menus, and reading nutrition labels.
Key Components of Phase 2:
- Creating healthy portion-controlled meals.
- Strategic use of HMR foods to replace some high-calorie meals.
- Tracking daily physical activity.
As new food groups are introduced, the focus remains on maintaining the routines that led to weight loss in Phase 1.
Read also: The Medifast Diet Program: A Closer Look
Essential Elements for Success in Phase 2:
- A high level of physical activity, burning 2,000 calories/week.
- Eating 5 or more full-cup servings of fruits and vegetables/day.
- Strategic use of HMR foods to replace some high-calorie meals.
Benefits of the HMR Program
- Rapid Weight Loss: Losing weight quickly can be motivating and help individuals stick to the diet longer.
- Reduced Food Decisions: The meal replacement-based diet reduces the need for constant food choices, simplifying the weight loss process.
- Nutritionally Complete Plan: HMR weight-loss foods provide a nutritionally complete plan, ensuring adequate nutrient intake while limiting calories.
- Coaching and Support: Weekly classes, digital resources, and a mobile app provide extra support and accountability.
- Development of Healthy Habits: The program emphasizes making healthy behavior changes to promote sustainable lifestyle improvements.
Options for Participating in the HMR Program
The HMR Program offers different options to suit individual preferences and needs:
- In-Person Program: This premier program offers the fastest weight loss and the highest level of support, with a team of weight-management professionals dedicated to individual success.
- At-Home Program: This option provides convenient home delivery of HMR foods and program materials, digital support resources including the HMR mobile app, and individual coaching with a health educator.
Health Benefits and Risks
Health Benefits
The HMR program promotes weight loss and can improve specific markers for certain diseases, such as lowered cholesterol levels and fasting blood sugars. One study suggested that larger amounts of weight loss with the in-clinic version of the HMR Program were associated with lower levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. HMR entrees are low in sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars, and contain at least 10 grams of protein.
Health Risks
Individuals with medical conditions like diabetes should consult their primary care providers before starting the HMR program. The company advises that all Decision-Free diet participants are medically supervised, as well as those clinic program members who may need medication adjustments as they lose weight. Members in the at-home program are also advised to consult with their physician before starting any diet.
Practical Tips for Following the HMR Diet
- Eat a lot of fruit and veggies: During Phase 1, aim for five 1-cup servings a day.
- Stay Prepared: Always have HMR foods with you to avoid temptations.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Engage with the Support System: Participate in coaching sessions, use the HMR app, and connect with other members for support and accountability.
Success Stories
Many individuals have found success with the HMR program. For example, Susan, a teacher and mom from Boston, lost over 50 pounds and has maintained that weight loss for over 2.5 years using HMR. She found the support, ease of preparation, and the fact that she never felt deprived to be most helpful.
HMR Program Availability
The HMR program is offered by various providers and health systems. For example, West Texas Bariatrics in Lubbock, TX, is an official licensee of the HMR Program. They offer a non-surgical, clinic-based diet that has been recognized as a "Best Diet for Weight Loss."
Read also: Simple Diet Program: Does it work?
Incorporating HMR into Healthcare Practices
Healthcare practices can incorporate structured HMR programs to enhance patient care and practice efficiency. This can be achieved through personalized consultations, educational workshops, and the use of digital platforms like the HMR app.
Medicare Coverage
Individuals on Medicare may qualify to work with an experienced provider on their weight-loss goals. Medicare will cover appointments at 100 percent if you have a BMI > 30 kg/m2. This includes individual assessment, treatment plan, and ongoing follow-up.
Read also: Weight Loss with Real Appeal