Cleveland Clinic Wooster “Weight” No Longer program is a practical, scientifically based weight loss and weight management program designed to teach effective, safe, and reasonable weight loss strategies through behavior change and lifestyle modification. The 18-week program consists of weekly group sessions that will alternate between an educational presentation on a relevant weight loss topic (see list below) one week and a support group style gathering the next. The educational sessions will provide the reason and understanding, essentially the foundation, for the behaviors and actions taken to successfully lose weight and more importantly maintain weight loss. The group support sessions will provide an environment that fosters feedback, support, togetherness, and motivation. Participants will be encouraged to share their concerns, feelings, successes, and failures or, if so desired, simply discuss a news report, research finding, or magazine article. On occasion, group exercise sessions may also take the place of the support groups if preferred.
Participating in the “Weight” No Longer program implies commitment, and thus full participation. There will obviously be conflicts in schedule, unplanned emergencies, and/or previous commitments that may interfere. However, success requires dedication and commitment, and, to some degree, sacrifice. This is not a quick-fix solution nor is it intended for those clinically morbidly obese (BMI > 40)*. We want this to be a rewarding, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience, one that will positively impact the rest of your life.
Wednesdays, 6–7 p.m.
18-week program
Open to those 18 years of age and older
Call 330.287.4583 for more information or to register
* If you think you may be morbidly obese, please contact the Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at 216-445-2224
Program Components
- Personal consultation with wellness specialist
- Graded exercise test (if requested by medical director)
- Measurement of BMR (basal metabolic rate)
- Body composition testing (BMI, anthropometric measurements, waist/hip ratio)
- Blood lipid profile
- Blood pressure screening
- Fasting blood glucose
- Dietary consultation with registered dietician
- Exercise prescription
- Weight loss goals (short and long term)
- Weekly education classes
- Weekly group support meetings
Education Session Topics
- Mindful Eating
- Basic nutrition
- Portion size
- Exercise prescription
- Dining out
- Low-fat cooking
- Nutrition label
- Stress and weight gain
- How much should I weigh?
- Healthy Living in an Unhealthy World
- Exercise: How much is enough?
- Exercise, Diet, and Longevity: Is there a link?
Lifestyle and Weight Gain
In general, people gain weight because they consume (eat) more calories than they expend (“burn off”). A number of additional variables, such as age, gender, and genetic tendencies play a role in weight loss and weight gain, however these usually make only a minor contribution, and are not responsible for the tremendous increase in obesity that the US population has experienced over the past few decades. Poor habits and lifestyle choices, or simply “the American way of life”, are mostly to blame for the obesity epidemic and for many of our other chronic health conditions as well such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, gall bladder disease, and even some forms of cancer. Poor habits do not develop overnight and nor do good ones. Short-term weight loss can be accomplished through more radical measures such as fasting, severely restricted diets, and/or surgery, however these methods do not come without side effects, some of which can be life threatening. Permanent, long-term weight loss can only be accomplished through changes in lifestyle. Old habits are hard to change, but so are good ones. Once we’ve established a new habit (such as regular exercise), it will become hard to “break” just like an old habit!
In order to be successful, all negative, pre-conceived notions regarding weight loss need to be discarded. A “never liked fruits and vegetables and never will” attitude is self-defeating and will set you up for failure even before you get started! Changing your weight requires changing your attitude. To do so requires self-assessment. What do you value? In what do you place importance? Are you truly willing to make “sacrifices” to lose weight and better your health? If willing, are you prepared to make those changes? Again, these are not easy questions to answer, but nonetheless ones that we must consider before embarking on any endeavor that requires life-long change and commitment.
Motivation
Simply knowing that weight loss will improve your health and reduce your risk of prematurely developing a number of chronic diseases is not enough motivation for many of us to begin a weight loss program or maintain permanent lifestyle changes. Motivation is what drives us to achieve a desired outcome and is strongly connected to our beliefs, values, and need for recognition and reward. We can all think of individuals who have made great sacrifices to fulfill a dream or reach a goal. These examples can often be inspiration enough for many of us to pursue our own dreams or strive to achieve lofty goals. However, motivation to get started is often easier to find than motivation to stick with something once you’ve started. Perseverance and commitment require long-term motivation and long-term motivation is easier to maintain with commitment from others. Look for support from family, friends, co-workers, and, if possible, become part of a “special interest” group (such as our own “Weight” No Longer support group) so that you can share your experiences with others who have similar concerns and needs. Receiving a little encouragement from a friend may be all that is needed to get you back on track should you stray from your diet and/or exercise routine.
Group Sessions
The weekly group meetings are a necessary and integral part of the “Weight” No Longer program. The meetings bring the educators and the students (participants) together so that information can be disseminated and learning and understanding can take place. Knowledge is power. Without “know-how” and understanding, weight loss would simply be a shot in the dark. The more educated you are on the topic, the more likely you will succeed.
The gatherings also provide a place and time for sharing thoughts, feelings, successes, failures, and concerns with others in the program. This is often the time when the educators learn from the students. As we know from experience, what works in theory doesn’t always work in practice. These sessions are also ideal for reinvigorating us and motivating us to “keep going” when the going gets tough.