Weight-Loss Camps in North Carolina

Residential weight-loss programs, sometimes called "fat camps," provide a structured, clinically supervised environment to keep you on track and give you the tools needed to slim down long term. Some people prefer residential programs because they reduce the distractions of everyday life and help dieters focus on losing weight. Various residential programs are available in North Carolina. Find out what they involve to help you determine whether these programs are right for you.

Duke Diet and Fitness Center

The Duke Diet and Fitness Center in Durham offers a four-week all-inclusive residential program for $7,585. Shorter intensive two and three-week plans are available for $4,925 and $6,600, respectively. Prepare to attend nutrition lectures and workshops, eat healthy meals, take cooking classes, participate in fitness training and behavioral classes, and attend one-on-one consultations. The meal plan includes nutritious, balanced foods to help you lose weight safely and effectively. The website doesn't mention average calorie intake. However, a sample lunch is a 3-ounce lime-honey glazed chicken thigh, 1/2 cup of black bean salad, 1/2 cup of green beans and a serving of fruit for a total of 450 calories.

Structure House

Minnesota Weight-Loss Camps

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The Structure House in Durham offers a four-week all-inclusive Foundations program for $9,725 and focuses on four primary components: behavior, nutrition, exercise and medical 1. The behavioral seminars teach you to identify and change negative behavior patterns that hinder weight management. The nutrition classes help you learn to choose healthy foods. You'll also obtain a personalized exercise plan. The average calorie intake is 1,200 to 1,600 calories daily. Typical lunch options are grilled shrimp with Asian BBQ sauce and pesto turkey salad. Soup, fresh fruit and vegetables are served daily.

Living Well House

North Carolina Recovery Support Services in Raleigh offers a variety of substance abuse and mental well-being services, including the Living Well House residential weight-loss program 2. Choose from three program levels: level one for goals of less than 50 pounds, level two if you need to lose 50 to 100 pounds and level three for a goal of 100 or more. Prepare to benefit from daily instruction on how to prepare healthy meals, follow a safe restricted eating plan, engage in a personalized mild to intense daily exercise regimen, attend behavior modification group sessions and meet with licensed and/or certified counselors and therapists. According to its website, Living Well House is affordable. However, no pricing information is available on the site. Average calorie intake and sample menus are not available on the website, either.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Weight-Loss Camps for Adults in California

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The primary benefit of residential weight loss is that you reside on the premises during the program and receive support, guidance, supervision, education and lifestyle tips that you take home with you to continue losing weight. Cost is the primary drawback. Your health insurance may cover some or all of your treatment, especially if you have a chronic health condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, according to the Obesity Action Coalition. If you have young children and are the primary caregiver, being away from home for several weeks is another challenge.