A medically supervised weight management program offered at NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola and created by HMR Weight Management Services Corp. (HMR), has been named a No.1 “Best Fast Weight-Loss Diet” for 2018 by U.S. News & World Report. This is the third consecutive year that the program, which involves simple diet and high-intensity lifestyle intervention, has earned this honor. NYU Winthrop Hospital is the only hospital in the New York metropolitan area that offers this program.
“Successful weight loss is about creating changes around eating and physical activity that can be sustained over the long term,” said Raymond Lau, MD, endocrinologist and medical director of the program at NYU Winthrop Hospital. “By keeping the plan simple, people can lose weight quickly while building the skills they need for long-term weight management.”
Like many individuals who find themselves struggling to lose excess weight, Elizabeth Kelly of Hicksville, NY, was one such person. After 1 year on the program, Kelly has successfully lost 115 pounds. Today, she continues on her journey to good health, knowing she has all of the support and resources to do so, thanks to NYU Winthrop Hospital’s weight management team.
“Five years ago, my life changed dramatically with the unexpected loss of my husband. But this year, this program, this success, gave me the hope I needed to get on a path to a new life—one that is filled with the belief that the future will be rich with enjoyment, pleasure and continued success,” said Kelly, who is elated to be a role model for her grandchildren. “I am forever grateful to NYU Winthrop Hospital’s Weight Management Program, its supportive and knowledgeable staff, and to the caring and empathetic members of the program. Without them I would not be here today.”
Unlike many commercial diet programs, HMR specializes in helping those who have a lot of weight to lose.
“Another key difference from other programs is that NYU Winthrop Hospital provides medical management. This is especially important if a patient has diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other weight-related conditions that require monitoring during weight loss,” said Dr. Lau. He added, “There is a strong need in our community for effective weight-loss options so we also offer an HMR plan that is a self-guided option, and people can follow that plan at home with online support.”
How the Program Works
The nutritionally complete plans of the program are designed to simplify food decisions, using only HMR-branded foods, such as shakes, entrées, cereal, and nutrition bars, with the option of unlimited fruits and vegetables on some plans. The most popular plan follows a simple 3/2/5 structure designed to keep people feeling full throughout the day. This plan includes at least 3 shakes, 2 entrees, and 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. People are encouraged to eat as many of these foods as they like to avoid hunger.
While losing weight, people practice developing skills in three specific areas: how to eat more fruits and vegetables; how to increase physical activity; and how to make healthier food choices.
These are lifestyle skills that will help keep weight off, as well as help to reduce risk factors related to the development of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer and other chronic diseases. Clinic results for those on the Decision-Free® diet resulted in an average weight loss of 43 to 66 pounds, and for those on the Healthy Solutions® diet, 28 to 37.5 pounds, based on research studies involving participants who completed between 12 and 26 weeks on a plan. The Healthy Solutions at Home® program with phone coaching resulted in an average weight loss of 23 pounds at 12 weeks and 28 pounds at 26 weeks.
About NYU Winthrop Hospital’s Medically Supervised Weight Management Program
NYU Winthrop Hospital’s medically supervised weight management program for adults is managed by a multidisciplinary team of endocrinologists, registered dietitians, and nurse practitioners who are highly trained in providing treatment and support to overweight and obese patients.
Enrollees are supported by a personal coach, who helps them choose among a variety of options for weight loss. In addition, individuals receive medical supervision and timely adjustment of medications as they lose weight.
NYU Winthrop’s Weight Management Program is designed to provide individuals with ongoing support even after they reach their weight loss goals. To learn more, call 1-866-WINTHROP.
About HMR Weight Management Services Corp.
HMR Weight Management Services Corp. is a part of Merck’s Healthcare Services and Solutions business unit and specializes in improving the healthcare experience for patients, providers and payers. HMR programs, available in-person or at home, offer lifestyle education, a structured diet, and an emphasis on long-term weight and health management. Since 1983, HMR programs have been available in hospitals, clinics, and medical centers across the country. For more information, visit www.hmrprogram.com.
Media Inquiries
Anne Kazel-Wilcox
Phone: 516-663-4999
anne.kazel@nyulangone.org
