New Research Shows 100 Pound Weight Loss
Possible Without Surgery

Lifestyle Change Can Bring Dramatic Results for Local Residents

Although bariatric surgery is often recommended as the treatment of choice for many individuals with severe obesity [body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, or those who need to lose approximately 100 pounds], newly published research shows there is a viable alternative. Results from a study of over 1,000 participants in the HMR Program for Weight Management (a comprehensive weight loss program offered in hospitals and medical centers across the country) indicate that an intense behavioral treatment is an effective intervention for severely obese individuals, and is associated with substantially less risk than bariatric surgery. The medically supervised HMR Program is offered locally at Intelligent Health Center .

The research, appearing in the advanced online publication International Journal of Obesity July 2006 was led by James W. Anderson , MD , Professor of Medicine and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Kentucky , and Medical Director for the HMR Program at the University of Kentucky . Results for 1,100 people who attended the 12-week educational program ("Completers") showed an average weight loss of 77 pounds . 25% of the group lost 100 pounds or more--for an average weight loss of 137.4 pounds . Moreover, patients who participated in the HMR Program were able to maintain a significant portion of that weight loss:

Patients lost weight using HMR meal replacements (low-calorie, portion-controlled shakes and entrees) and in some cases, additional fruits and vegetables. They also attended weekly classes at HMR clinics where they learned and practiced specific lifestyle skills, including daily physical activity. In addition, patients received individual coaching, support, and follow-up via phone calls with trained health educators.

According to Dr. Isaacs, Medical Director of the local HMR Program, "The response to this kind of lifestyle intervention can be compared to bariatric surgery, but without the associated risks." The reported overall surgical mortality rate is around 1%. Approximately 20% of those having surgery experience significant complications. 1,2 The study showed that weight loss for all patients completing HMR's 12-week behavioral program is similar to that reported for adjustable gastric banding, with a much lower mortality and adverse event rate.

"Not only are people losing weight through the behavioral intervention, they are learning and practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors, which makes it more likely they will continue these healthy behaviors long-term, something surgery alone does not provide, adds Dr. Isaacs "In our program, we focus on helping each patient over-practice these healthy behaviors which include burning 2,000 or more calories of physical activity per week (walking about an hour a day for a 150 lb. person), eating five or more one-cup servings of vegetables and fruits each day, and continuing to use meal replacements to decrease fat and calorie intake."

Intelligent Health Center offers several state-of-the-art weight loss options for dieters wanting to lose 20-- 200+ pounds, including the new HMR at Home ® diet option, with home delivery of weight-loss foods and support materials. For more information, call 404-531-3933 for a free consultation.

More Information

1,2 Ann Intern Med 2005; 142:547-559, Ann Intern Med 2005;142:525-531

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