Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of your weight relative to your height. The BMI formula is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
How do I get started?
Join us for a free Information Session. Sessions are held in-person at our clinics or over the phone for the Remote Support Program. The Information Session thoroughly explains what to expect, and what is expected of you, should you choose to join the program. You will have the opportunity to meet some of our staff and to ask any questions that you may have. The Information Session involves no pressure for you to commit to our program; it is simply a chance for you to learn more about us. A true lifestyle change requires commitment, and the Information Session is our way to help you adequately determine if our program structure will be the proper match for you.
I’ve tried many diets in the past. What makes this program different?
The majority of our participants have struggled with their weight throughout their lives. The HNT staff understands that getting to and maintaining a healthy weight is a life-long process requiring long-term support. We provide structure, accountability, and education to give our clients the tools and confidence to lose weight. But most importantly, we know that keeping weight off requires possibly years of dedication. A study published in the Journal of American Medicine demonstrates that the longer individuals stay involved with a group, the greater success they have maintaining their weight loss . Our comprehensive, skill-based On-Going Practice classes are based on what current research finds to be proven strategies for long-term success.
What type of results should I expect?
HNT provides meal plans that typically result in 2-5 pounds of weight loss per week depending upon a variety of factors including start weight. However, weight loss is not something that we can guarantee. We can promise to provide you with a safe, effective meal plan, personal support, and education to lose weight and keep it off. Your weight loss and weight maintenance results are up to you. Participants who are ultimately the most successful are diligent in their commitment to the structured meal plan, exercise, class attendance, and participation.
Maintaining your weight loss requires a life-long commitment to the skills and strategies you will learn during the Foundation period of HNT’s Program for Health and Weight Management. That is why HNT provides you with support and coaching through our On-Going Practice phase of the program. We like to compare a life-long commitment to health to learning the piano. A few lessons will perhaps allow you to learn a song or two, but to truly be able to play a masterpiece will require years of dedication and study.
What does “medically supervised” mean- do you require weight-loss surgery or medications?
Lifestyle change is the biggest factor in maintaining a healthy weight. Our goal is to help you learn skills for life that will make you healthier without surgery and with perhaps less or none of your current medications. Just a 10% reduction of body weight has been determined to dramatically reduce many risk factors- and HNT program participants average an even higher loss of 50 pounds or 21% of initial body weight loss.
Participating in the HNT program requires a medical screening with a physician prior to joining. The doctor will review lab work, screen your health history, and review any significant risk factors with you. He or she may determine that it is necessary to change the dosage of certain medications. As a medically supervised program, you can be assured that the HNT Program staff is in close communication with program physicians regarding any issues that may need attention during your participation in our program.
Is exercise a requirement to join this program?
Physical activity is a component of a healthy lifestyle that must be integrated to maintain weight loss. In fact, the National Weight Control Registry’s data base (www.nwcr.ws) shows that exercise is the #1 indicator of keeping weight off for good- with 90% of successful maintainers getting some exercise just about every day.
I’ve never followed an exercise program before. Where do I start?
The HNT staff will help you to get started on the path to an active life, one step at a time. We will advocate for you to lead a life involving moderate exercise most days of the week. Most participants start a new activity routine slowly, but are thrilled and empowered by how quickly they see their energy and strength grow. The good news is that you will have a personal coach through the HNT Program who will help you set realistic goals and problem-solve possible barriers to getting activity in your life.
Does the use of meal replacements mean this is a liquid diet?
The Health One meal replacement is like no other on the market today. Health One can be made into delicious shakes or smoothies, but we also believe that using a product that has versatility is the key to sticking to a weight loss plan. This is why we will give you dozens of recipes that you can bake, waffle, pan-fry, microwave, or even freeze. Our years of experience with Health One have demonstrated that the happier and more satisfied people are with their plan, the more they are inclined to stick with it. This ultimately leads to weight-loss success. Our goals are that you find ways to make your meals pleasant, healthy, and enjoyable through the use of our Health One meal replacements, and that you don’t feel hungry along the way.
What are the costs of your program?
Program costs will vary depending on location and meal plan option. All financial requirements for individual clinics will be fully explained at the Information Session. Many of our participants tell us that they actually save money while following our meal plan-people do not often notice the coffee shop, convenience store, and restaurant bills’ effect on their budget prior to joining our program. As an additional bonus, many patients find that they are able to stop or reduce the use of expensive medications as they lose weight and become healthier. We believe that making the choice to learn healthy lifestyle habits is an investment in yourself that pays off in energy, health, confidence, and vitality!
