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Achieving long-term weight loss is
a complex process of medical, nutritional,
behavioral and psychological change.
These changes require the development
of new skills to help one replace
less desirable habits with healthier
ones. Fundamental behavior
and dietary change, not just short-term
food sacrifice, is required for lasting
weight loss success.
The staff of Tufts-NEMC's Obesity
Consultation Center review each patient's
understanding of factors that have
made weight loss or weight maintenance
difficult in the past, and all patients
are offered a comprehensive, individual
and/or group education and support
program.
Behavioral component:
Stress management, the development
of coping skills, exercise readiness,
general problem-solving strategies
and relapse prevention are all integrated
into the treatment plan. These techniques
and skills help patients develop a
foundation of knowledge on which to
base lifestyle changes and which serve
as the basis for long-term weight
control.
Behavior
Group Support: Led
by a trained behavioral therapist,
this group focuses on a number of
skills, as well as support, to aid
patients in achieving weight loss. The
group will focus on the attainment
of many new skills and the ability
to manage weight loss in various
social settings. In addition to
other topics, the group will focus
on the concept of mouth vs. stomach
hunger, mindful eating, nutrition,
body image, and relaxation as a
way to prevent and manage stress,
the breaking of ingrained habits
regarding food and eating and the
introduction of new coping skills
Nutrition
Component: Our
food choices are often determined
by factors such as childhood habits,
time constraints, and the media. By
working with behavior management techniques
and nutritional guidance, you can
learn to make food better choices
at social, family, and professional
events.
Nutritionists at the OCC work individually
with patients to monitor and assess
food choices, identify trigger foods
and situations, and problem-solve
ways to achieve healthier diets. Individualized
meal plans are patient-driven. We
will integrate your lifestyle, likes,
and dislikes to develop plans and
strategies to promote healthier food
selections no matter what type of
plan you desire. We work at increasing
your nutrition knowledge, exploring
available products, and promoting
variety of choice.
By working with behavior management
techniques and nutritional guidance,
you can learn to make better food
choices at social, family, and professional
events.
Medications: Where
desirable, medications may be prescribed
as an adjunct to the behavioral and
nutritional programs to help with
appetite control
Click
here to download our self-monitoring
logs (PDF file).
We also offer the OPTIFAST® Program --
designed for people who are significantly
overweight, or have a body mass index
(BMI) greater than 30. It uses high-quality
meal replacement products in combination
with a comprehensive lifestyle education
program that is designed to help you
lose weight, improve your health,
and develop the skills needed to successfully
manage your weight in the future.
Helpful links:
American
Dietetic Association
American
Diabetic Association
Dietary
Guidelines
Tufts
Nutrition Navigator for ratings
of health-related sites
Fast
food and restaurant food to
learn about the nutrient value of
foods
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