Medical evidence concludes that for long-term results, weight loss — even under a doctor’s care — has to be a lifestyle change that incorporates building a new relationship with food and following through with exercise.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton has designed a new approach to medical weight loss programs centered on this approach, providing individual coaching so overweight people can achieve the necessary lifestyle changes. Dr. Lisa Dobruskin weight loss specialist at RWJ Hamilton, is the physician behind Shape for Life, a 12-week program that combines nutrition, exercise, medical care and educationfor successful long-term weight loss.
Unlike other weight loss programs, Shape for Life includes direct involvement with a board certified physician, who sees clients individually for six one-hour sessions. In addition to the medical support, participants schedule twice-weekly, low-impact exercise classes exclusively designed for them, as well as six visits with a registered dietitian and six cooking classes, providing support and education.
Specially designed exercise classes are low-impact, incorporating stretching, yoga, Pilates, light weights and aerobics, leading to a gradual introduction to the exercise floor at the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness.
“A lot of diets don’t work because the changes you have to make to be considered successful are too drastic,” notes Dobruskin. “Our program works because it allows clients to change their life in subtle ways over three months, and it covers all aspects, which is necessary to keep the weight off for good.”
People with 30 to 50 pounds to lose are ideal candidates for the program. Overweight women ages 20 to 45 experiencing fertility challenges are especially encouraged to join, since obesity is a common cause of infertility.
Individuals who experience obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and osteoarthritis –– to name a few –– would most likely experience alleviation of symptoms and conditions.
The program begins with a physical health assessment and blood work. Working with clients and their personal physician, Dobruskin develops a workable path toward sustained weight loss, factoring in any existing medical conditions.
Shape for Life’s exercise, nutrition and cooking classes are held at RWJ Hamilton’s state-of-the-art Center for Health & Wellness. Dr. Dobruskin offers free consultations to review the program components and answer questions call 609-584-5900.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton. 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton. 609-584-5900. www.rwjhamilton.org
