Weight loss Programs

The Weight Management Program for adults at UCSF Medical Center offers customized weight management plans including weight loss techniques, dietary plans, exercise programs and behavior modification as well as support groups and educational lectures. Research has shown that combining a variety of weight loss and management techniques increases a person's chance of long-term success in weight management. Our goal is to help you adapt to and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Established in 1985, our program is led by doctors who have over 20 years of experience in weight loss management, including caring for patients with complicated medical conditions. Our doctors collaborate as needed with other medical specialists at UCSF Medical Center to design the most effect plan for each patient. Our team includes a registered dietitian and clinical psychologist who are specially trained in weight management. Spanish speakers are available on staff.

We offer three weight management plans that can be customized to fit your individual needs. These include:

Step-By-Step Program

This is a comprehensive one-year weight loss program that emphasizes aerobic exercise, healthful food and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote long-term weight loss and management.

The program includes:

• Regular meetings with doctors for medical supervision and education.
• Formal assessment and follow-up with a dietitian including review and analysis of the patient's food diary, nutrition education and meal advice.
• Thursday evening support group, followed by a lecture series, including written curriculum.

Participants

This plan is designed for people who are:

• Mildly to moderately obese.
• Committed to personal lifestyle changes for better health and weight loss.
• Able to attend weight management sessions for a year.

Meal Replacement Program

This is a one-year medically supervised rapid weight loss program utilizing a very low calorie diet comprised of nutritionally complete, prepared foods. The program emphasizes regular aerobic exercise, healthy food and cognitive behavioral therapy for long-term weight loss and management.

• Regular meetings with doctors, including an initial medical clearance for the meal replacement program.
• Formal assessment and follow-up with a dietitian including review and analysis of the patient's food diary, information on the meal replacement diet, nutrition education and meal planning advice.
• Bars, shakes, soups and oatmeal as nutritionally complete meal replacements.
• Thursday evening support group followed by a lecture series, including written curriculum.