Kaiser Permanente, a integrated health care provider, offers a comprehensive medical weight loss program for patients who are moderately to extremely obese. This program is designed to be highly individualized and can include use of meal replacements and prescription medications. Patients who have struggled to lose weight on other diets are offered a very highly structured program monitored by doctors and nutritionists.
Meal Replacements
Meal replacements such as protein shakes and protein bars are frequently used during the first phase of the Kaiser weight management plan. This phase limits calorie intake to approximately 900 calories per day, which typically initiates rapid weight loss of 3 to 4 lbs. weekly. The meal replacement phase typically lasts 12 weeks, after which patients transition back to a highly structured solid-food diet.
Counseling Services
Both mental health counseling and nutritional counseling are key components of Kaiser's weight loss program. Patients work with a therapist to learn about emotions and how they influence eating habits and weight loss. Skills such as stress management and cognitive behavioral techniques are presented so patients can learn to replace stress-related or emotional eating habits with constructive coping skills. In addition, nutritionists teach about healthy meal planning and getting enough exercise.
Individualized Diet Plan
During the second phase of the weight management program, patients typically transition from meal replacements to a individually planned solid-food diet. Food selections will be based on personal health needs and factors such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood sugar. Diets are developed and monitored by a doctor or nutritionist to ensure ongoing weight loss.
Expert Insight
Medical diets such as those provided by Kaiser Permanente can lead to very successful weight loss, but patients must use the programs services to adopt new eating and exercise habits. Long-term lifestyle changes, such as healthy food choices, effective meal planning and consistent physical activity, are all critical to maintaining weight loss. Patients who do not adopt improved habits run a risk of regaining weight after completing the program. In addition, behavioral interventions, such as keeping a food journal, have been found to increase weight loss success, so patients should be encouraged to integrate these tools into their weight loss plans.
References
- Kaiser Permanente: Medical Weight Management Program, Kaiser Permanente, April 10, 2007
- Kaiser Permanente: Medical Weight Management Program: Frequently Asked Questions, Kaiser Permanente,
- Weight-control Information Network: Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program, National Institutes of Health, 2003
- ABC News: Keeping A Food Diary Doubles Weight Loss, Kendall Krause, ABC News Medical Unit, July 8, 2008
Member Comments