Medical Weight Loss

If you want to lose weight and have struggled to do so on your own, we can help. Our experts help people to lose weight for many reasons such as:

• Your weight increases your risk for a medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
• You want to lose weight to improve one of these conditions or others like sleep apnea or osteoarthritis.
• You do not qualify for weight loss surgery.
• You might be interested in weight loss surgery but are not ready to take that step.
• You had weight loss surgery and are now struggling to maintain the weight loss.
• You want to move more easily, feel more vibrant, or look better.

We've Been Helping People Lose Weight for More Than 50 Years
People who have worked with our experts report they:

• Reduced their risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity-related conditions.
• Can move more easily and are less restricted by arthritis and chronic pain.
• Enjoy improved endurance, strength, and flexibility.
• Have a healthier, more balanced approach to eating and activity.
• Are better able to manage stress and enjoy a more positive mindset.
• Successfully changed how they integrate diet and exercise with their lifestyle.
• Continue to experience progress on their own.

OPTIFAST® Low-Calorie, Meal Replacement Program
If appropriate, your doctor may recommend that you follow a very-low-calorie, meal replacement program such as OPTIFAST® to help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose. This highly successful, multi-week program provides nutritionally complete soups, bars, and shakes, and includes weekly provider visits plus group support sessions led by one of our nutrition, behavioral health, fitness, or medical experts.  During weekly visits, your provider will monitor your vital signs, your weight loss, and be on the lookout for any signs that might indicate a medical issue. Over time, your doctor will work with you to slowly reintroduce food into your diet as you reach your weight goal. Currently, this program is not covered by insurance, but consultations with your doctor or dietitian may be.

Nutrition Consultation
Our registered dietitians /nutritionists will conduct a nutrition assessment and create a plan with you that addresses your weight and health goals. Your nutritionist will learn about your personal needs and then assist with creating a nutrition plan and setting lifestyle goals to help you adopt healthier eating habits. During regular visits, you’ll learn how to plan meals that can be adapted to your preferences or if you have cultural eating limitations, food allergies, or other intolerances.

Emotional Wellness
We believe your mind is as important as your body when trying to achieve your weight and health goals. That’s why we offer behavioral health counseling. They help you to identify behaviors and emotions that prevent successful weight loss, such as binge eating, emotional and mindless eating, self-image concerns, anxiety, and life stress. We help you build confidence and motivation to make healthy lifestyle changes and reach your goals.

Exercise and Fitness
Our exercise physiologists at the Duke Health and Fitness Center conduct a thorough fitness and ability assessment and then create a plan tailored to increase your stamina, strength, flexibility, and balance while burning more calories and preventing injury.

Complementary Treatments
You may wish to take part in programs, workshops, and classes through the Duke Integrative Medicine Center or the Duke Health and Fitness Center. Your doctor can help you understand how these options, such as acupuncture, massage, yoga therapy and more, can aid your weight loss journey.

Bariatric Surgery
If your provider determines that your BMI and medical conditions make you a candidate for weight loss surgery, he or she can help you understand if this option is right for you and prepare you to be as successful as possible.