In five weeks she lost 33 pounds, and hopes to lose 150 to 200 more. They eat their dinner and I drink my shakes. Weekly meetings with dietitians teach patients healthier ways of eating. As a result, Boulware says she has changed her shopping and cooking habits. I also broil, bake or boil foods, rather than frying them, and serve more vegetables and salads.
Nutrition education is just one component of the program.
At the weekly meetings, patients meet with a team that includes primary care physicians, social workers and psychiatrists. At group sessions, patients share their experiences. Their weight, blood pressure, and blood chemistry are monitored. In a supplemental study, Kirschner is also monitoring serum leptin levels in patients. Leptin, often called the obesity hormone because it is produced by fat cells, is found in higher concentrations in obese patients.