Below are answers to many of the questions frequently asked about the DFC and our programs.

General
Financial and Medical
Food and Nutrition
Activities and Accommodations

General Questions

How do I get to the Diet & Fitness Center (DFC)?
The DFC is located at 501 Douglas St, Durham, NC 27705. Get directions.

Who comes to the Diet & Fitness Center?
Adults age 18 and over (some adolescents age 15 to 17 are accepted into the program; see next question) and all levels of health and fitness come to the Diet & Fitness Center to lose weight, manage or prevent disease, and make healthy lifestyle changes. Many come to maintain goals they have previously achieved or simply to rejuvenate themselves.

Do you have an adolescent program?
Our program is geared toward adults, but we sometimes admit adolescents as young as age 16 or 17 only if they are accompanied by a legal guardian who also participates in the program. Admission of individuals this young requires the prior approval of our medical director. Our educational program is adult oriented and in general may not be a good fit for the majority of adolescents.

Who is the Center's staff?
The staff consists of experts in the treatment of obesity and related medical problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Professional staff members include physicians and other medical providers, exercise physiologists, massage therapists, physical therapists, registered dietitians, behavioral specialists, health coaches, and psychologists. All are caring and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.

How are you different from other weight loss programs?
We focus on making "lifestyle changes" versus "losing weight through dieting." You will be working with a team of experts in the fields of nutrition, health management, fitness, and behavior who will help you develop your complete lifestyle plan. Their role is to help you create an individualized plan that will meet your long-term needs.

How much weight can I expect to lose in two or four weeks?
On average, the rate of weight loss is approximately 1 to 2 percent of total body weight per week. This varies depending on many factors.

How often do I meet with a counselor?
When you enter the program, you receive individual medical, nutrition, behavioral health, and fitness assessments. Following the assessments, clients may schedule a weekly check-in with professional staff. Many clients elect to get additional counseling for a fee during their stay.

Can a friend or family member come to support me? He or she does not need to lose weight -- what activities can be participated in?
Often it helps to bring a friend or loved one with you for support and for them to gain an understanding of the new lifestyle you will be planning. A friend, relative, or significant other can participate in our support program, which can be discussed further with our admissions representatives.

What is a typical day at the Diet & Fitness Center?
A typical day includes educational classes, meals, and exercise. In addition, you may be scheduled for individual sessions with staff. Social and recreational activities are available some evenings. A sample schedule is included in your inquiry packet.

Do you offer spa services (e.g. facials, herbal wraps, etc.)?
We offer massage therapy and personal training on-site at an additional fee. We recommend other local facilities for specialty spa services.

Does your program treat bulimia and anorexia? Will you accept clients with binge eating disorders in your program?
Clients with bulimia, anorexia, or severe eating disorders are not accepted into the program. We do provide treatment for binge eating disorders.

Do you have any satellite programs in other areas?
We do not have any satellite programs at this time. We do offer an online version of our program for people who are unable to attend the residential program. Visit www.dukediet.com for more information.

Are you affiliated with Duke University?
Yes. The DFC is a program of the Duke University Health System.

Financial and Medical Questions

How can I make a wire transfer?
For wire transfers, use the following account information:

What additional expenses will I incur?
The program fee is inclusive of all educational classes (except your restaurant outing), scheduled exercise sessions and meals. Also included are individual assessments, including medical, and a weekly check-in with professional staff. New clients receive a complimentary personal training session.

You may elect to have additional services such as personal training, psychotherapy, lifestyle coaching, therapeutic massage, or a formal smoking cessation program at an additional cost. Additional medical consults will be an additional cost.

Please bring your insurance card in the event you are referred to other Duke specialists.

Will my health insurance cover any of the Center's fees? Do you accept Medicaid or Medicare?
Obesity treatment is outside the scope of what most insurance providers consider traditional levels of medical services and may not be covered by insurance. The Duke Diet & Fitness Center does not participate in any insurance agreements or managed care contracts (except Medicare), and therefore does not file insurance claims except in cases where Medicare applies. In cases when Medicare does apply, only a small portion of the program will be billable to Medicare. The balance must be paid-in-full at the time of your visit. Payment-in-full is expected for all non-Medicare persons, at the time of your visit.

The Duke Diet and Fitness Center will provide an itemized statement which may be used to seek reimbursement from insurance carriers (except Medicare), medical savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and health reimbursement accounts.

Weight-loss programs may also be tax deductible when prescribed by your physician to treat obesity. Consult with your tax advisor to determine if the fees are tax deductible.

Do I need a doctor's referral?
A doctor's referral is not needed. Our program includes a complete medical evaluation by our clinicians. If you have significant medical issues, we ask that you bring medical records with you. If you would like, a comprehensive report will be mailed to your primary care physician (signed waiver required).

Do you have age and weight limits?
We accept clients over age 18. We do not restrict admission based on weight, but you do have to be independently mobile or bring a personal aide for assistance at your own cost. Most of our clients range from being slightly overweight to significantly obese, based on the body mass index scale. With special approval we sometimes accept adolescents age 16 to 17 only if they are accompanied by a legal guardian who also participates in the program. Admittance requires prior approval of the DFC medical director.

Can you accommodate people with disabilities? Do you provide assistance?
The DFC can make some accommodations for clients with disabilities. Most areas of the building are wheelchair accessible. If needed, we recommend that you bring an aide for mobility assistance at your own expense, as we are not able to provide these services. Call the DFC client relations specialist at 919-688-3079, ext. 256, for special needs.

Food and Nutrition Questions

I have a number of food allergies -- can you accommodate me?
If you have food allergies, a member of our nutrition team will talk with you during the registration process to ensure that your dietary needs are met. We can accommodate most, but not all, food allergies.

Can you accommodate kosher or vegetarian diets?
We have many vegetarian selections on the regular DFC menu and can accommodate most requests for kosher and vegetarian diets, but the options are more limited. You should talk with one of our dietitians during the registration process to make sure that they are aware of your needs.

Are there hands-on cooking classes?
We have weekly cooking demonstrations planned by our registered dietitians. These classes focus on teaching participants basic skills needed to prepare healthy, lower fat foods when they return home. A wide variety of cuisines will be presented including Italian, Chinese, soy-based recipes, and more!

What is the nutritional breakdown of your diet?
Our program does not adhere to only one nutrition plan. We work with you to determine what meets your needs and offer a variety of healthy nutrition plans. Clients choose from among several options: very low carbohydrate, moderate carbohydrate, and traditional low-fat, higher carbohydrate options are available. All plans focus on healthy balanced nutrition principles, healthy fats and a sustainable approach to eating that leaves you feeling satisfied and not deprived.

Activities and Accommodations Questions

Where do most people live while visiting the Center?
While we do not offer on-site accommodations, many of our clients stay at the Duke Tower Condominiums, a privately owned facility located across the street from the DFC. To make a reservation at Duke Tower Condominiums, call 866-385-3869. The nightly rate for 28 nights or more is $70 plus 12.75 percent sales and occupancy tax.

As of Auguest 24, 2008, the DFC's new address will be 501 Douglas St, Durham, NC 27705. See housing options for the new campus (PDF).

For additional housing, please see our Housing Options guide (PDF).

I will still need to do business while I am at the Center -- what free time will I have to conduct my business?
While we understand your need to keep your professional obligations, we encourage you to stay focused on the program during your stay. Every weekday is full with structured educational and fitness activities. However, you will have free time late in the evening on weekdays and on Sundays.

Do you have internet access available at the DFC?
We have a few internet-connected computers available on the DFC site for your use on a limited basis. It has been our experience that it is best to bring your own laptop computer if you expect to conduct business or access the internet more frequently. Every suite at Duke Tower is equipped with Time Warner Road-Runner internet service, supplied at no charge to guests. Other lodging facilities provide in-room internet access but may charge a fee. Please check directly with your lodging facility.

Will I need a car during my stay?
We do recommend that you either you bring your car or rent one during your stay. Durham has several walking areas. However, it helps to have a car since there is only a limited mass transit system. Many clients enjoy the flexibility of sightseeing and visiting the local attractions on the weekends.

What activities are planned in the evening following dinner?
We have an activity coordinator who schedules outings on Monday through Thursday evenings for clients. Some examples of activities include going to see a sporting event (baseball, hockey, football), a local museum, or an art show. We also have activities on-site such as special lectures, movies, bingo, dancing, and singing. We attempt to plan activities that are geared around clients' special interests.

What is the closest airport? How do I get from the airport to your facility. What transportation, if any, is provided by the Center?
The closest airport is Raleigh/Durham International Airport, located approximately 15 miles from the center. See our Travel & Accommodations page for more information and directions.

Are shopping facilities nearby?
Brightleaf Square, a small boutique-type shopping center, is approximately four long blocks from the Center. Other larger shopping centers are located within a 20-minute drive.

Why don’t you have shuttle service and housing?
Since clients stay in different locations, it would be difficult to pick up at all locations. We do, however, offer a shuttle service on weekday mornings for our clients who need to go to the Duke Center for Living for tests or if they are required to exercise under medical supervision. Our current location does not offer enough space to build suitable housing. There are many accommodations located throughout the city, and our admissions staff can assist you with making the housing arrangements.