Participant Testimonial

Kitty Caparella

If you live in Philadelphia, I can't recommend the weight loss program at Jefferson Department of Endocrinology enough. You have to have a complete physical, with blood work etc., in order to get accepted into the program. The program is only for those who have to lose 40 or more pounds. It specializes in clients who have diabetes, though they believe they can help you reduce your risk for diabetes by losing weight. They only allow you to lose 15-20 percent of your weight to start, then maintain for a year, before losing more. (A friend was able to lose 100 pounds so she could be eligible for a kidney transplant.)

The best part of the program is nutritionist Cheryl Marco, who runs three different groups: Those who are on Optifast, those who are in transition, and those who are in maintenance. (Optifast is a drink that comes in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry that you drink five times a day.) She knows the science and the studies that are current about weight loss. She talks about the good and bad fats, what foods to eat together to have energy last longer, the kinds of foods that are better for you. She talks about how your body loses weight: fat vs. muscle, and why it's not good to go on repeated diets. Among her other topics: What foods immediately turn into glucose. What foods that are better if you should eat before going to bed. How to pace yourself by eating small meals as many as five times a day. And she's available for telephone and private consultations. While you are on the program, you'll be seen by a doctor and have blood work done.

I've done every diet known to man, and this is the only one that has helped me change my eating habits. You can continue to be part of the maintenance group for the rest of your life, if you need to. But you don't have to. What most people don't realize is what a struggle it is after you lose weight and look thin. People think you don't have a problem anymore, but each day is filled with choices you have to make. And, of course, exercise is ESSENTIAL! It doesn't have to be in one or two hour heavy-duty workout periods. It can be in 10 minute spurts, if need be.