What makes ^® different?

What is the ^® philosophy?

^® sees weight management as a skill. Given the rapid increase tin obesity in America and the fact that two-thirds of Americans are now overweight or obese, it is clear that the major cause of this epidemic is environmental. For most of our history, weight management was automatic. Our modern lifestyle and western culture have virtually eliminated the need to exercise and made large portions of high-calorie food readily available. The research shows that a structured program using meal replacements is the best way to incorporate new weight- and health­ management skills. The foundation of ^® Programs is based on this research.

Why Meal Replacements?

The research is clear. More than 50 published references show that people using meal replacements lose and keep off, on average, three times more weight than those on conventional diets. Meal replacements help clients take the guesswork out of dieting, providing them with a convenient and satisfying way to eat.

For example, having an ^® Shake for breakfast instead of a muffin and an ^® Entree with two servings of vegetables for dinner in lieu of a typical fast food meal would save someone approximately 1,600 calories a day. Making these two simple changes once each week for a year would result in a 24-pound weight loss.

Why does 's structured weight-loss program work?

There are three simple reasons:

• The ^® Program focuses only on research-based variables. Each of these variables independently have been shown to have a direct effect on successful weight loss and maintenance. When practiced together, there is an even more pronounced, cumulative effect.

• Losing and keeping off weight is a skill, much like learning to play an instrument or a new sport. It is only logical, therefore, to approach weight management with the same structure one would apply to any new skill. That includes a cycle of lessons, practice, and feedback. That's exactly how the ^® Program is structured

• ^® health educators are highly-trained professionals. To supplement their past professional training, provides health educators with intensive initial training and more than 25 hours of continuing education each year.

How does ^® work?

The ^® Program focuses on five research-based success variables including an ongoing supportive structure and feedback:

• Weekly classes
• Record-keeping
• Physical activity
• Meal replacements
• Vegetables and fruits