The Outlook© program is a low calorie diet (LCD) which offers a combination approach using a meal replacement product at two meals daily (usually breakfast and lunch) with a food-based meal in the evening. If more convenient for an individual, the food-based meal could be consumed at lunch instead. Meal replacements help reduce calorie intake at those two meals, increasing the consistency of targeting a calorie level which will promote weight loss. Food skills are developed and practiced at the one meal daily, allowing “practice” of the skills which will need to be incorporated into the maintenance phase. Calorie levels are individualized and targeted to promote a 1-2 pound weight loss weekly; women in the lower range and men in the upper range. Achievement of this goal will depend directly on how closely the program is followed day to day and on an individual’s Resting Metabolic Rate.
An indirect calorimetry test is often conducted before this program is initiated; this helps determine more accurately an optimal calorie level for weight loss. Also, the test helps identify those individuals who may have a lower metabolic rate than would be determined by a formula or calculation. This information is also helpful in determining a realistic goal weight, particularly for an individual with a lower metabolism.
Basic Qualification Criteria:
18 years of age
BMI of 27 or a BMI of 25 with medical risks
Program Elements:
Average weight loss rate of 1-2 pounds weekly; women typically in the lower range and men in the upper range.
Combination use of meal replacement products with a food-based meal to create consistent, targeted calorie intake and to meet nutritional needs. Emphasis on regular exercise.
Medical monitoring provided by our nurses who monitor blood pressure and blood glucose levels. The risk of side effects are minimal with Outlook; therefore, physician appointments and labs are not required for the Outlook program unless concerns identified.
Ongoing review of blood glucose logs and adjustment of medications throughout weight loss phase as indicated.
Group clinic/class conducted by staff:
• Registered and Licensed Dietitian with Advanced Level 2 Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management with the American Dietetic Association
• Behaviorists–Individuals who have master’s degrees in social work or licensed counselors
• Referrals for adjunctive therapy with psychologists or counselors, if indicated
• New for 2012: clinic/class options midday, evening and early morning, as enrollment needs indicate.
Program Structure:
Screening Phase consists of a medical exam, in-depth behavioral interview, nutritional questionnaire and exercise questionnaire. Labs are done as part of the medical screening.
Weight Loss Phase consists of consumption of meal replacements in variety of flavors and textures: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, pineapple apricot, lemon, hot cocoa, chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding, lemon pudding, cream of chicken soup, cream of tomato soup and cheddar-broccoli soup. The food component of the plan begins to utilize food skills related to long-term weight maintenance.
Weekly group sessions focus on building awareness of behavioral, emotional and environmental eating triggers and strategies to facilitate long-term behavior change. Basic concepts of nutrition and exercise are also introduced.
A word about meal replacements—while “tools” such as meal replacements have been shown to be helpful for weight loss, they are likely to be ineffective as a “single solution” without additional education and training. During the phase of meal replacement use, our staff’s focus is on helping an individual become more aware of the emotional, psychological and environmental reasons for overeating. Participants also discover the knowledge, skills, behaviors, attitudes and resources which will support their lifestyle changes for balanced, healthy eating and living. A long-term weight management plan will include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources and regular exercise, in addition to the use of meal replacement products IF helpful specific to an individual’s needs.
Adapting or Transition Phase is a series of one to three 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
NEW FOR 2012! JCMG’s Weight Treatment Center is offering a new program for theMaintenance 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 clienis conducted before entering the maintenance phase to offer a plan for individualized nutrition and goals.ts are offered value for their investment of time and dollars. The S.T.A.R.® program (Steps To Avoid weightRegain) 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.
On-going Support is offered with a free monthly support group meeting. 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. It is our intent to help an individual select a goal weight which maximizes the medical benefits but is realistic for them to maintain based on their weight history and resting metabolic rate results.
Program Costs will vary depending on the amount of weight to lose and the number of weeks on Outlook. All interested applicants are encouraged to attend an information meeting so that they are fully 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. An itemized receipt will be mailed to each participant weekly.
Please consider that the cost of meal replacements is a “transferred” cost from groceries and, in most cases, may not represent a higher expense. Also important to consider is the “saved” cost of insulin and/or other medications which may be reduced as weight loss occurs.
Please note: 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 so that details may be determined and discussed.
For those who do not have insurance coverage, you could save tax dollars through reimbursement from a cafeteria plan or Health Savings Account (HSA) for unreimbursed medical expenses. IRS guidelines require a BMI of 30 or above to qualify. In most cases, expenses related to appointments, diagnostic tests and class fees qualify; the costs for meal replacement products DO NOT qualify as they replace food costs.
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 Outlook program in greater detail. Registration is required; please call 556-5774.
If you decide Outlook 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. This process usually takes one to two weeks before a “start” appointment is set.