Losing weight can be a challenging journey, often filled with false promises and fleeting results. The New Direction Diet Plan offers a medically supervised approach to weight loss, focusing on safety, effectiveness, and long-term lifestyle changes. This article delves into the details of the New Direction program, exploring its components, benefits, and how it can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Introduction
The New Direction Diet Plan is a comprehensive weight management program that combines meal replacements with medical supervision and lifestyle education. It is designed for individuals seeking a structured and supported approach to weight loss, particularly those with a BMI over 27 or a BMI of 27 with medical risks. The program emphasizes not only weight reduction but also the development of sustainable habits for long-term weight management.
Understanding the Program's Core Elements
The New Direction program incorporates several key elements to ensure a safe and effective weight loss journey.
Medical Supervision and Monitoring
A distinguishing feature of the New Direction plan is its emphasis on medical supervision. Participants benefit from regular monitoring by healthcare professionals, including nurses and physicians. Weekly medical monitoring is required and provided by nursing staff who monitor blood pressure, weight changes, and potential side effects.A monthly physician exam and labs are conducted by supervising physicians. An EKG is repeated with every fifty pounds of weight loss. Physician review of blood glucose logs and adjustment of medications throughout the weight loss phase is included as medical monitoring. Patients have access to physicians by pager, if necessary, after hours and on weekends. This includes blood pressure checks, weight monitoring, and assessment of any potential side effects. This ensures that any health concerns are addressed promptly and that the program is tailored to the individual's specific needs.
Meal Replacement Products
The New Direction program utilizes medically-formulated, low-calorie, low-carbohydrate meal replacement products with high biologic-value (HBV) protein. These meal replacements are designed to provide optimal levels of electrolytes and vitamins, ensuring nutritional adequacy while minimizing hunger and cravings. No extra vitamins/minerals are needed; each meal replacement provides 33% of the Daily Value for vitamins and minerals.
Read also: Weight Loss Shakes: A Detailed Analysis
These meal replacements come in a variety of flavors and textures, including shakes, puddings, soups, and bars. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, pineapple apricot, lemon, hot cocoa, mocha, chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding, lemon pudding, cream of chicken soup, cream of tomato soup and cheddar-broccoli soup. Each flavor comes packaged as a powder which is mixed with water or any other non-calorie liquid. Recipes are also provided where the product could be cooked to consume as pancakes, muffins, crepes, etc. This variety helps participants adhere to the program and prevents boredom.
Nutritional Education and Behavior Modification
Recognizing that long-term weight management requires more than just meal replacements, the New Direction program includes comprehensive nutritional education and behavior modification components.
Group clinic/class is conducted by staff: Registered and Licensed Dietitian with advanced training in medical weight management and eating disorders and behaviorists-Individuals who have master’s degrees in counseling, in social work or licensed counselors. Referrals for adjunctive therapy with psychologists or counselors, if indicated. Clinic/class options midday, evening and early morning, as enrollment needs indicate.
During the phase of meal replacement use, staff’s focus is on helping an individual become more aware of the emotional, psychological and environmental reasons for overeating. Participants also discover skills, behaviors, attitudes and resources which will support new lifestyle changes for balanced, healthy eating and living. A long-term weight management plan will include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat protein sources and regular exercise, in addition to the use of meal replacement products IF helpful specific to an individual’s needs.
Exercise Program
The program also incorporates an exercise program that is essential for preservation of lean muscle mass, maximization of metabolism and sustained weight loss.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Program Structure: A Phased Approach
The New Direction program is structured in phases to guide participants through the weight loss and maintenance process.
Screening Phase
The Screening Phase consists of a medical exam, in-depth behavioral interview, nutritional questionnaire and exercise questionnaire. Labs and an EKG are done as part of the medical screening. Contraindications for this program include liver or kidney disease, Type 1 diabetes, active ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease, bulimia, psychiatric disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women and children or adolescents.
Basic Qualification Criteria: 21 years of age, BMI of 30 or a BMI of 27 with medical risks (using a BMI calculator for adults).
Weight Loss Phase
This phase involves the exclusive use of meal replacement products to create a safer (compared to food-based) VLCD, mild ketosis, consistent weight loss results and avoidance of nutritional deficiencies. Two meal plan options are available:
- Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD): This plan involves complete meal replacement, with participants consuming only New Direction meal replacement products. This approach induces mild ketosis, a metabolic state where the body burns fat for energy due to restricted carbohydrate intake.
- Low Calorie Diet (LCD): This plan is a partial meal-replacement diet, which means that in addition to the provided meal replacements you will be able to eat some meals that consist of healthy grocery store foods.
Adapting or Transition Phase
The adapting or transition phase is a series of four weeks of guided, structured meal plans which accomplishes a gradual transition from meal replacements to a full-food plan. Indirect Calorimetry Test and an Individual Appointment is conducted before entering the maintenance phase to confirm calorie needs before entering the maintenance phase.
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
Maintenance Phase
JCMG’s Weight Treatment Center offers a program for the Maintenance Phase which builds on the skills introduced during the weight loss phase and incorporates practical applications based on the latest research regarding weight maintenance success. It is also important to JCMG’s Weight Treatment Center that clients are offered value for their investment of time and dollars. The S.T.A.R.® program (Steps To Avoid weight Regain) will be offered in 12-week sessions, resulting in a lower overall cost than the previous six-month (24-week) maintenance program. Further, those clients who would prefer to attend for a longer period of time or at a frequency of their own choosing will be able to do so at a reduced cost. A minimum of three months’ participation in the reducing phase is a prerequisite.
A participant’s weight is assessed by zones-Green Safety Zone, Yellow Caution Zone or Red Correction Zone-which then direct how frequently one should attend after the initial 12-week course. Research indicates that a two-year focus on practicing new behaviors and skills is consistent with optimal success. On-going Support is offered with a free monthly support group meeting and a free weekly weigh-in clinic every Monday. Some individuals find it helpful to meet with our staff one-on-one at least monthly for additional support and monitoring. Goal Weight Determination is unique to each individual. Most of the people with whom we work have intial BMIs which range 30-60. Most often goal weights fall into a BMI range of 25-30 or, in some cases, a reduction of 20-30% from initial weight. It is not the intent of this program to create an ideal BMI but to help reduce medical risk through weight reduction.
Benefits of the New Direction Diet Plan
The New Direction Diet Plan offers a range of benefits for individuals seeking a structured and medically supervised weight loss program.
Rapid and Effective Weight Loss
The VLCD option allows for rapid weight loss, with an average weight loss rate of 3-5 pounds weekly (women typically in the lower range and men in the upper range). This can be particularly motivating for individuals who have struggled to lose weight through other methods. *Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. The statement “Patients who actively participated in a 12-week medically-supervised program have lost an average of 36 pounds” refers to average results obtained in a clinical setting. Weight loss outcomes depend on various factors, including individual health conditions, adherence to the program, diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices.
Medical Monitoring and Safety
The medical supervision component ensures that participants are closely monitored for any potential side effects or health concerns. This is particularly important for individuals with underlying medical conditions.
Nutritional Adequacy
The meal replacement products are designed to provide 100% of the recommended daily allowance for 24 vitamins and minerals, ensuring that participants receive adequate nutrition while restricting calories.
Reduced Hunger and Cravings
The low-carbohydrate content of the meal replacements promotes mild ketosis, which is associated with decreased hunger and cravings. This can make it easier for participants to adhere to the program.
Education and Support
The program provides comprehensive nutritional education and behavior modification support, helping participants develop sustainable habits for long-term weight management. Weekly group education sessions focusing on nutrition, exercise and behavior changes.
Non-Surgical Option
If considering bariatric surgery, one should be aware this program provides a NON-SURGICAL option for rapid weight loss and medical improvements WITHOUT the potential short and long-term risks associated with surgery.
Benefits for Diabetics
If you are diabetic, please see the link below which describes the particular benefits of rapid weight loss, medication reductions and cost savings with a VLCD program.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
While the New Direction Diet Plan is generally safe and effective, it's important to be aware of potential side effects and considerations.
Ketosis-Related Side Effects
Ketosis can be associated with potential side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, gallstones and hair loss. However, medical monitoring and management helps minimize side effects. To maintain ketosis while on the VLCD, it is important to avoid extra sources of carbohydrate during that time period.
Program Costs
Program Costs will vary depending on individual calorie needs, the amount of weight to lose and the number of weeks on New Direction. All interested applicants are encouraged to attend an information meeting so that they are full informed about program options and fees. Once enrolled in the program, fees are collected weekly. There are no hidden charges or advance fees associated with our program. In most cases, people will spend less on the VLCD program compared to normal weekly grocery and restaurant purchases! Also important to consider is the “saved” cost of insulin and/or other medications which may be reduced or discontinued secondary to the rapid rate of weight loss associated with this particular approach.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance reimbursement is not typical for weight loss programs even if your physician has advised you to lose weight. Due to increasing awareness of obesity, though, some employers groups or insurers may begin to consider and include this type of benefit. Please check your Benefit Summary handbook for language referring to obesity treatment or weight loss programs; if such a benefit IS included, please provide notification at time of application. In most cases, if bariatric surgery is a covered benefit, then the physician’s appointments and labs on the VLCD program may be covered, too. For those who do not have insurance coverage, you could save tax dollars through reimbursement from a cafeteria plan or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for unreimbursed medical expenses. The IRS requires a BMI equal to or greater than 30. In most cases, expenses related to appointments, diagnostic tests and class fees qualify; the costs for meal replacement products DO NOT qualify.
Travel Restrictions
No travel outside of the country while on this program.
Individual Results May Vary
Note: Weight loss results vary depending on the individual. The New Direction full meal replacement program is extremely effective because it limits food choices. Studies show that when multiple food choices are removed, people find it easier to stick to their meal plans and are not as hungry. The use of a high-quality protein and low carbohydrate diet allows your body to use your fat stores for energy and loss weight more rapidly while maintaining safety. This type of diet has been shown to help you feel full and minimize your cravings while allowing you to feel energized on far fewer calories.
Getting Started with the New Direction Diet Plan
So, how do you get started?
We suggest all interested applicants attend a free monthly information session which offers a discussion and review of the New Direction program in greater detail. Registration is required; please call 556-5774. If you decide New Direction is the right program for you, please call our office to request application forms to complete. Once returned to our office and reviewed, you will be contacted to set up your screening appointments.
The New Direction® weight loss program features: Medical monitoring including lab work and regular visits with a health care provider. Weight loss ranges from .5 to five pounds per week, depending on the person and the meal plan. Great tasting, high protein, low carbohydrate meal replacements providing 100% of the recommended daily allowance for 24 vitamins and minerals. Weekly group education sessions focusing on nutrition, exercise and behavior changes. Weekly weight and blood pressure checks. Choose from two meal plans: A low calorie diet (LCD) for gradual, steady weight loss. This typically includes bars and shakes for two of three meals a day and a very low calorie diet (VLCD) for an intense, rapid weight loss. It's a complete vacation from food, so you can set aside worrying about cooking food for yourself, while you learn the mental game of eating to optimize your health. Both plans feature great tasting, meal replacement products such as high protein shakes, puddings, soups and bars in a wide variety of flavors. The food you buy through the program is less than what you'd pay if you were buying fast food. The cost averages between $63 to $100 per week depending on the program and your specific plan. To get started, schedule online or call us at 402.559.9500. We offer a program just to help you keep from regaining weight: Once you have reached your weight loss goal, you join the maintenance phase of the New Direction® plan, called Steps to Avoid Regain (STAR), for $25 a month. Topics include: skill building in nutrition, exercise and behavior modification. All classes are offered at multiple times each week. To learn more about the New Direction meal replacement program, schedule online or call 402.559.9500. Our medical weight loss doctor, Cherise M. Dyal, MD, is Board Certified in Obesity Medicine. Our highly trained staff meets with you weekly to provide our Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Intervention Program, which is an intensive nutrition, behavior modification and physical activity education and monitoring program to help maximize your successful long-term weight loss. We also design an exercise program that is essential for preservation of lean muscle mass, maximization of metabolism and sustained weight loss. The full meal replacement program provides for the most rapid weight loss. It is the simplest meal plan to follow - you only need to choose your favorite flavors of shakes, soups, puddings and bars. On the Very Low Calorie Diet Plan our staff works closely with you to safely lose a significant amount of weight. This diet plan is a high protein, very low calorie diet that uses New Direction® meal replacement products* as the sole source of nutrition. Due to the rapid-weight loss that this plan offers, continuous medical monitoring is an important aspect of this weight loss plan. When used under medical supervision and guidance, the high protein, low carbohydrate meal replacements are a sustainable and healthy way to lose weight. During the active weight loss phase, regular lab work is required. *These are average results. *You must be a patient of UPMC Harrisburg Weight Management Center in order to purchase the New Direction meal replacement products. When it comes to health care for you and your family, UPMC is here. Contact UPMC in central Pa.
Is New Direction Right for You?
Seeking a weight loss program managed by medical experts who know what it takes to lose weight and keep it off? Any of this sound familiar?
- You've tried everything from skipping meals to all the well known weight loss programs and haven't lost the weight.
- You have lost the weight, but like a recurring bad dream the scale slowly creeps back up once the program ends.
- You have high blood pressure, or another medical condition which makes you nervous about trying some kind of program run by "health coaches" who mean well but don't have medical training.
- You've had a health scare or your family has a history of heart disease or diabetes.
- You're the kind of person who thrives by meeting regularly with not just medical weight loss experts, but others on the same journey fighting to keep the weight off.
- You desperately want to maintain a healthy weight to avoid what you've seen loved ones go through.
- You've promised yourself this will be the year you absolutely, positively lose the weight and keep it off for good.
If so, the New Direction® meal replacement weight loss program might be the right fit for you! The program is a safe, effective weight loss system run by doctors, physician assistants and registered dietitian nutritionists. You will benefit from one-on-one time with a team of weight loss experts, along with the weekly group classes.
New Direction: A Long-Term Healthy Lifestyle
What is the distinguishing quality that sets New Direction® Weight Loss Program apart from other meal plans? Many plans brag about results, but their methods may not be safe and the results are only temporary. You need a weight management program that includes medical supervision. During the Active Weight Loss phase of the program, patients can take advantage of New Direction meal replacements to further their results. New Direction consists of a variety of products so you don’t get tired of eating the same thing. New Direction products contain the full daily value of nutrition that patients need. New Direction® Full Meal Replacement (Very Low Calorie Diet) - Simple, safe, and effective. We provide all high-protein meal supplements for you, safely putting you into ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic process which allows you to burn your fat for energy. New Direction® Partial Meal Replacement (Low Calorie Diet)- Healthy combination of some meal replacements and make-your-own recipes. You will eat two or more New Direction products and one balanced grocery meal. New Direction meal program is centered on the patient to help them reach a new level of health so they can enjoy a fully satisfying life. New Direction is more than a weight loss solution; it’s a long-term healthy lifestyle.