Before breaking out the bathing suits for summer and heading to the beach, many women plan at least trying to lose a few unwanted pounds.

“You hear a lot about fad diets and ‘miracle’ weight loss products at this time of year,” said Suzanne Henson, R.D., M.S., director of UAB’s EatRight Weight Management Program. “But the evidence is overwhelming that diet pills and fads don’t get the weight off and keep it off. What does work is the combination of reducing the number of calories you take in and increasing your physical activity.”

EatRight is a 12-week weight control program created by UAB physicians, therapists, dietitians and psychologists. EatRight is more than a weight-loss program: It's a plan that will put you in control of your weight – for life. In EatRight's 12-week series of classes, you will learn how what you eat affects your weight, your health, and your future.

EatRight has everything you need for success. EatRight helps you become your own nutrition and weight management expert! Average weight loss for a 12 week program is 4% to 5% which translates into 8 to 25 pounds, depending on the amount of weight the individual needed to lose.

EatRight participants receive a copy of EatRight Lose Weight Seven Simple Steps cookbook and an EatRight workbook as materials for use in the 12-week program. The workbook covers all the topics to be discussed during the program as well as other valuable information to help you!

Supervised by physicians board-certified in clinical nutrition and taught by Registered Dietitians the EatRight Program emphasizes high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, and grains as well as lean meats, low-fat dairy products and heart-healthy fats. And best of all, no foods are off limits! EatRight uses no special formulas, foods or diet pills.

More than just a diet, EatRight features a 12-week multifaceted program with diet instruction, behavior modification, support, and exercise to help you make lifestyle changes.

To find out more about this program, check the EatRight website or email shenson@uab.edu to participate in a program. 

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