The New Direction weight loss program offers a medically supervised, non-surgical approach to rapid weight loss and medical improvements. It centers around the use of a meal replacement product, coupled with medical monitoring and lifestyle intervention, to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This article will delve into the various aspects of the New Direction program, including its components, structure, benefits, and considerations.
Introduction to the New Direction Program
The New Direction program is designed for individuals seeking a structured and medically supervised weight loss solution. It utilizes a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) based on meal replacements to promote rapid weight loss while minimizing potential side effects and nutritional deficiencies. The program incorporates medical monitoring, lifestyle education, and ongoing support to help participants achieve their weight loss goals and sustain long-term results.
The Cornerstone: Medically-Formulated Meal Replacements
At the heart of the New Direction program is a medically-formulated meal replacement product. This product is low in calories and carbohydrates, while being high in high biologic-value (HBV) protein. Each meal replacement provides 33% of the Daily Value for essential vitamins and minerals, eliminating the need for additional supplementation.
One of the key benefits of the low-carbohydrate content is the promotion of mild ketosis, typically within 3-4 days of starting the program. Ketosis is a metabolic state where the body uses fat stores as its primary fuel source due to restricted carbohydrate intake. This process is associated with decreased hunger and cravings, making it easier for individuals to adhere to the VLCD. However, it's crucial to avoid extra sources of carbohydrates to maintain ketosis during the weight loss phase.
The meal replacement product comes in a variety of flavors and textures, including 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. These flavors are packaged as powders that can be mixed with water or other non-calorie liquids. Recipes are also available for preparing the product as pancakes, muffins, crepes, and more, adding further variety to the diet.
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Program Structure: A Phased Approach
The New Direction program is structured into distinct phases to guide participants through the weight loss journey:
Screening Phase
This initial phase involves a comprehensive medical exam, an in-depth behavioral interview, and nutritional and exercise questionnaires. Labs and an EKG are also conducted as part of the medical screening. Contraindications for the program include liver or kidney disease, Type 1 diabetes, active ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease, bulimia, psychiatric disorders, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and being a child or adolescent.
Weight Loss Phase
During this phase, participants exclusively consume meal replacements to create a safer VLCD, promote mild ketosis, ensure consistent weight loss results, and avoid nutritional deficiencies. Weekly medical monitoring by nursing staff is required to track blood pressure, weight changes, and potential side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, gallstones, and hair loss. A monthly physician exam and labs are conducted by supervising physicians, and an EKG is repeated with every fifty pounds of weight loss. Physician review of blood glucose logs and medication adjustments are included as part of the medical monitoring for diabetic patients. Patients also have access to physicians by pager after hours and on weekends, if necessary.
Adapting or Transition Phase
This phase involves a gradual transition from meal replacements to a full-food plan over a period of four weeks. Participants follow guided, structured meal plans to facilitate this transition.
Maintenance Phase
Prior to entering the maintenance phase, an indirect calorimetry test and an individual appointment are conducted to confirm calorie needs. The Weight Treatment Center offers the S.T.A.R.® program (Steps To Avoid weight Regain) in 12-week sessions to build on the skills learned during the weight loss phase and incorporate practical applications based on the latest research on weight maintenance.
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Key Program Elements
The New Direction program incorporates several key elements to ensure its effectiveness:
- Medical Monitoring: Weekly monitoring by nursing staff and monthly physician exams and labs are essential for tracking progress and managing potential side effects.
- Group Clinic/Class: These sessions are conducted by registered and licensed dietitians with advanced training in medical weight management and eating disorders, as well as behaviorists with master's degrees in counseling or social work, or licensed counselors.
- Referrals for Adjunctive Therapy: Psychologists or counselors are available for referrals if indicated.
- Individualized Goal Weight Determination: Goal weights are unique to each individual and are typically within a BMI range of 25-30 or a reduction of 20-30% from initial weight. The program aims to reduce medical risk through weight reduction, rather than achieving an ideal BMI.
- On-going Support: Free monthly support group meetings and a free weekly weigh-in clinic are offered for ongoing support. One-on-one meetings with staff are also available for additional support and monitoring.
Benefits of the New Direction Program
The New Direction program offers several potential benefits, including:
- Rapid Weight Loss: Participants can expect to lose an average of 3-5 pounds per week, with women typically in the lower range and men in the upper range.
- Medical Improvements: The program can lead to improvements in various medical conditions, particularly for diabetic patients, including medication reductions and cost savings.
- Non-Surgical Option: It provides a non-surgical alternative for rapid weight loss and medical improvements, avoiding the potential risks associated with bariatric surgery.
- Structured and Supervised Approach: The program's structured format and medical supervision ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Education and Support: Participants receive education on nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification, along with ongoing support to maintain long-term weight management.
- Reduced Hunger and Cravings: The low-carbohydrate content of the meal replacements promotes ketosis, which helps reduce hunger and cravings.
- Variety of Meal Replacement Options: The wide range of flavors and textures available for the meal replacements helps prevent boredom and encourages adherence to the program.
Important Considerations
Before considering the New Direction program, it's important to be aware of the following:
- Basic Qualification Criteria: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a BMI of 30 or a BMI of 27 with medical risks.
- Potential Side Effects: Side effects associated with ketosis may include dizziness, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, gallstones, and hair loss. Medical monitoring and management can help minimize these side effects.
- Travel Restrictions: Travel outside of the country is not permitted while on the program.
- Insurance Coverage: Insurance reimbursement is not typical for weight loss programs, although some employers or insurers may offer this type of benefit.
- Program Costs: Program costs vary depending on individual calorie needs, the amount of weight to lose, and the number of weeks on New Direction. However, in most cases, the cost of the program is less than normal weekly grocery and restaurant purchases.
- Long-Term Lifestyle Changes: While meal replacements are a helpful tool, they are not a single solution for weight management. The program emphasizes the importance of developing new skills, behaviors, and attitudes to support long-term lifestyle changes, including incorporating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat protein sources, and regular exercise into the diet.
Transitioning to the Outlook Program
In some cases, individuals may choose to start with the New Direction program and then transition to the Outlook program once they are ready to incorporate food into their daily diet while continuing to lose weight.
Getting Started
Interested individuals are encouraged to attend a free monthly information session to learn more about the New Direction program. Registration is required. If the program seems like a good fit, applicants can request application forms and schedule screening appointments.
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