Weight Loss Programs
Frequently Asked Questions

Comprehensive Obesity Management Clinic
Modesto, CA

What kind of diet will I follow?
During the reduction phase of the weight loss program, all participants follow a VLCD very low calorie diet, (also called a  modified fast), consisting of New Direction Nutrimed Plus products. This very low calorie, high protein; low carbohydrate diet causes the body to burn fat for energy. Since the VLCDs produce rapid weight loss, medical supervision is necessary with our weight loss programs.

How does this diet help me lose body fat?
Ordinarily, your body uses glucose from carbohydrates in your diet for fuel (energy). When calories are limited, as during the VLCD (very low calorie diet), your body starts burning fat. The fat is released into the bloodstream and travels to the liver where it is converted into ketones. The ketones are then released back into the bloodstream where they are picked up by other tissues such as muscle and used for energy This process is called ketosis.

How will I know if I am in ketosis?
Because some ketones leave the body through urine, you’ll be able to tell when you’re in ketosis by taking a simple urine test that detects ketones. Initially, you’ll undergo this test each week. After 8 to 10 weeks on the VLCD (very low calorie diet), or sometimes earlier, your body adapts to burning ketones for energy and fewer ketones are excreted in the urine. At that time, your urine tests may only show a trace of ketones or none at all.

Why is protein important in a VLCD (very low calorie diet)?
To help meet its energy needs, your body can use protein, either from dietary sources or from body tissues, like muscle and organs. Obviously, it’s healthier to get the energy from the protein in the diet. Without the added protein from Nutrimed Plus, your body would break down its own muscle and organ tissues. Such a breakdown can result in serious health consequences, even death. You need to take in enough dietary protein to “spare” your muscle and organs.

Aren’t carbohydrates and fat also important?
Yes, both carbohydrates and fat are important in VLCD (very low calorie diet), but present at lower levels than typically seen in moderately reduced-calorie diets. A minimal amount of carbohydrates is required to make energy for your cells, which are unable to use ketones. Carbohydrates help spare protein and are also important to maintain electrolytes and fluid balance. A moderate amount of fat in a VLCD (very low calorie diet) provides essential fatty acids, which are needed for good health.

If I lost weight, would it make a difference in my high blood pressure or the medication I take to treat it?
Yes, weight loss actually helps reduce high blood pressure - sometimes to a level where you could reduce or even eliminate your blood pressure medication entirely.

I have diabetes. Can losing weight lower my blood sugar?
Yes, losing weight can lower your blood sugar if you're a type 2 diabetic. Just a 10% weight loss can greatly affect your blood sugar and possibly even minimize your use of diabetic medications.

Can I reduce my high cholesterol by losing weight?
Yes, you can boost your chances of lowering your cholesterol with a three prong approach: modify your fat intake, exercise regularly and lose weight.

Can being overweight make me more susceptible to cancer?
Being overweight won't give you cancer, but it can increase your risk for many different cancers, including colon, breast and endometrial cancer.

Could my excess weight be the reason I've been unsuccessful in getting pregnant?
Possibly, a woman's weight can sometimes affect her fertility.

I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, which causes me to snore a lot and sometimes stop breathing during sleep. Will it help if I lose weight?
For those with sleep apnea, even modest weight reduction may alleviate the need for long-term therapy or upper-airway surgery.

Is my excess weight ruining my joints?
It's difficult for the natural cushions in our joints to withstand extra body weight. Losing weight can reduce the wear and tear on your joints.

I suffer from a lot of back problems. Would losing weight alleviate the pain?
If you carry most of your "extra pounds" around your abdomen, this can put excess stress on your back muscles. Losing weight and strengthening your abdominal muscles can greatly relieve your discomfort.

If I'm overweight, does that increase my risk for developing heart disease?
Yes, being overweight greatly increases your risk for heart disease.

How can I get started on a weight loss program?
Call us for help. We offer a comprehensive program with an expert team of weight management professionals to help you achieve your individual goals. Our "how to" educational approach teaches you about planning and preparing balanced, healthful meals, dealing effectively with the stresses of weight management, incorporating exercise into your daily routine, preventing relapses and more. Plus, we offer you personalized support for that extra dose of motivation and encouragement you sometimes need.

How much can I expect to lose?
That depends on several factors, including your current weight age and sex. During the first week, an average weight loss of 4 to 7 pounds is common, with water loss accounting for many of these pounds. After the first week, the rate of weight loss decreases to about 2 to 3 pounds per week. If you are losing too quickly, your New Direction physician may advise you to increase the number of beverages you are taking and/or to modify your exercise plan.

What is covered during group meetings?
The New Direction Program offers weekly group meetings that cover the following topics:

Behavior Modification
This component of the program helps you identify and change behaviors that led to overeating. You’ll learn how to get support from others and deal with situations that could challenge your weight loss efforts. The Lifestyles Skill on Behavior, which you’ll receive at your group meetings, will help reinforce what you learn each week.

Nutrition Education
Through discussions with staff and other group members, you’ll learn how to make food choices that will help you manage your weight. Additionally, the Lifestyle Skill on Nutrition offers practical information on healthy eating and good nutrition, which is so important for weight management.

Exercise
The exercise component of the program helps you build physical activity into your day. With the support of your exercise specialist, you’ll learn how regular physical activity can benefit your weight control efforts.

What are the health benefits of a VLCD (very low calorie diet)?
For individuals who are appropriate candidates for a VLCD (very low calorie diet), the resulting weight loss can improve medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

What are the New Direction Products?
Nutrimed Plus, the New Direction products offer several flavors, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and banana flavored beverages, as well as a hot cocoa beverage and a cream of chicken soup. They are specially formulated to provide all of the protein, carbohydrate, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals you need while on a VLCD (very low calorie diet).

How many calories will I be consuming?
Most clients on a VLCD (very low calorie diet) follow a 600 or 800 calorie reducing plan, depending on the protein needs for their ideal body weight. Three or four Nutrimed Plus products provide enough protein/calories for most clients. It is important to consume the prescribed number each day. You won’t lose weight faster by consuming fewer products. In fact it can be dangerous to do so.

Will I be hungry?
Most clients in the program report that their hunger lessens or disappears after the first few days on the diet. There are several theories as to why this may occur; however, there are definite reasons. Some evidence suggests that ketones reduce the feeling of hunger. Others suggest that when dieters eat only one or two foods instead of a variety, their appetite may be diminished. It is also possible that high protein, low carbohydrate foods, such as Nutrimed Plus, may curb appetite.

Are the beverage/soup lactose-free?
No. They contain about 2 grams of lactose per packet, compared to one cup of milk, which contains about 12 grams of lactose. Most people who are lactose-intolerant can use it Nutrimed Plus without developing any gastrointestinal problems. However, if you are extremely sensitive to lactose, ask your dietitian how to use a lactase enzyme (e.g., Lactaid tablets).

Are the beverages /soup caffeine free?
Only the chocolate-flavored beverages contain caffeine from the added cocoa powder. The chocolate and hot cocoa beverages contain 12 and 22 milligrams of caffeine, respectively. In comparison, a 5-ounce cup of brewed drip coffee contains 60 to 80 milligrams. The average 12-ounce diet cola soft drink contains 30 to 60 milligrams of caffeine.

Do the beverages/soups contain aspartame?
The Nutrimed Plus beverages contain 110 to 180 milligrams of aspartame. In comparison, the average 12-ounce diet soda contains 180 milligrams. The Cream of Chicken Soup and Tomato Soup do not contain aspartame.

Can I use the soups instead of the cold beverages or hot cocoa?
Because the Cream of Soup contains more sodium than the other products, it is recommended that a maximum of two servings per day of the Cream of Chicken Soup can be used. The remaining daily beverage intake should be made up of one or two servings of the other flavor. If you are sensitive to salt, discuss the use of the soups with your dietitian.

If we have not addressed your question here, please ask the Director or call us at (209) 338-0330.

Weight Loss Program Modesto