It’s no secret that being overweight increases one’s odds of developing serious medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and gallbladder disease. In addition to these potential medical consequences, excess weight can diminish self-esteem, restrict activities, and in general, reduce quality of life.

Most dieting programs offer only quick fixes that don’t last, rather than offering long-range strategies that can help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Specialists at Duke University Medical Center have spent more than two decades developing weight loss and wellness programs for people with special needs and medical conditions. The Duke Diet and Fitness Center and the Duke Health and Fitness Center have come together to offer a weight loss program designed to meet the needs of the community. We’ve merged what we do best -- weight loss and lifestyle counseling -- and have created a program that combines nutrition, exercise, health psychology, and medical research.

The Weight Loss Program provides you with a realistic plan that can result in:

• Improved health and fitness
• More energy
• Prevention/control of non-insulin resistant diabetes
• Lower cholesterol
• Reduced blood pressure
• Increased stamina
• Reasonable, sustained weight loss
• Greater sense of well being and enhanced self-esteem
• Stress relief

Getting on Track

Our program, called Getting on Track, is the first step toward weight management and lifestyle change. This eight-week program combines the professional support and advice you need to be successful, and there are no special foods or shakes to buy.

You participate in seven interactive classes focused on nutritional, exercise, medical, and behavioral change. Each class also includes a healthy dinner.

The last session is a group meeting where the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired are applied and discussed. After completing the program, you may continue to participate in the group support sessions with a program called Staying on Track to further understand your personal journey.

Program Fees

Getting On Track* - $425

Seven interactive classes, one follow-up group session, a workbook, a fitness evaluation, and a weekly walking program. Classes include a meal, weight check, self-monitoring reviews, group check-in, and lectures on nutrition, exercise, medical, and health psychology topics. Registration is required.

* Waived initiation fee for fitness center membership with registration of Getting on Track Program

Staying On Track - $10 per session or $50 for 10-session package

An ongoing group that meets once per week for weight checks, self-monitoring reviews, problem solving, and motivation. Must be a graduate of Getting on Track. Groups are facilitated by a rotation of Getting on Track staff members. Topic schedules are distributed to participants while in Getting on Track. Registration is not required.

A La Carte Consultation Services

For those wanting to supplement the Getting on Track program or those who cannot attend the weight management programs, we offer individual services.

For more information about the Weight Management Program, nutrition services or a la carte consultations at the Duke Health and Fitness Center, call 919-660-6818.

Locations

This service is available at:

• PepsiCo Fitness Center
  3475 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705