Howard J. Eisenson, MD

Howard Eisenson, MD, answers common questions about weight loss and reveals how Duke Diet & Fitness Center helps patients succeed in losing weight.

How is the Duke Diet & Fitness Center’s approach different?

The most important difference is that we treat the whole person. Our clients often have issues beyond extra pounds -- such as diabetes or high stress levels -- and addressing those takes a team of experts.

The medical component of our residential program is key. We focus on health, not weight, and we have the ability to broadly address health challenges. This kind of medical intervention would be very difficult to find in any other place. It’s extraordinary.

What’s the best diet for losing weight?

There’s no best diet. Everybody is different. That’s why we offer several different meal plans, all of which leave you feeling satisfied. If you don’t eat satisfying food, you won’t be successful. But it’s really about learning to use food in a different way. It’s a lifestyle change.

How important is support when you’re trying to lose weight?

As with all of us, people suffering from excess weight respond well to being treated with respect, acceptance, and compassion. Our clients get that respect and acceptance not only from the staff but from each other.

There’s a lot of camaraderie among the clients. And support from the staff continues after you leave the residential program, with weekly telephone coaching.

How do you help people who seem to have lost hope?

Many people have tried everything before coming to us. True, there’s no magic pill, but many people have thought there was, setting unrealistic goals without an effective plan or adequate support. We help them identify improvements in eating, exercise, and self-care habits appropriate to their needs and preferences.

And we emphasize the knowledge, strategies, and support necessary for maintaining these better habits for life. I have been gratified to see so many lose significant weight and feel better than they thought possible, and regain confidence, motivation, and hope.