Whether you are planning a visit to the Duke Diet & Fitness Center (DFC) for the first time, or you are a graduate who is returning to reinforce healthy habits, we now have a program for a close friend or family member who does not struggle with weight themselves yet wishes to support you in your lifestyle change efforts when you return home.

If you have an adult loved one whom you will be relying upon to support you in reaching your goals, bring them along with you to the DFC to gain a better understanding of our philosophy and the skills we teach for healthy weight management and improved physical fitness.

Support clients may attend lectures (excluding discussion groups) and have all meals. Support clients who are not at increased risk for adverse events during exercise may use the gym and pool. Individuals at increased risk for adverse events during exercise will be required to have had an exercise tolerance test within the last 12 months, which has been interpreted as normal, as a condition for using the exercise facilities at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center.

Our Policy on Exercise for Support Clients (PDF, 18 KB)

All guests/support clients are required to fill out a questionnaire and waiver before participating in the Support Program. Please fax the completed forms to our Admissions Department at 919-684-8246.

Guest/Support Agreement and Release of Liability (PDF, 33 KB)

Please note that this program is intended to educate attendees in how best to support clients participating in our full program. It is not intended to serve the needs of support people who need therapeutic lifestyle treatment for themselves. Thus, we are unable to accept people who meet the criteria for obesity as support participants. A body mass index (BMI) of 30 is the definition of obesity. You may use our body mass index calculator to calculate your BMI.

This program has both weekly and daily rates.