Loper Obesity Treatment

Judy Loper is executive director of the Central Ohio Nutrition Center, a renowned medical obesity treatment facility, and is known for an approach to controlled weight loss that takes individuals through a seven-phase program from orientation and evaluation to a very low-calorie diet, sometimes an all-liquid-based meal plan, and transitioning back to regular food and long-term support.

Approach to Obesity Treatment

• Loper's philosophy treats obesity as a chronic disease, which may mean medication and/or surgery could be options. In addition, clients of the center she runs work through lifestyle modifications, a strict dietary regimen, and a transitional period back to life without the intensive intervention the center offers. The center also claims to be available for lifelong support of clients. The foundation of all treatment at the center is a seven-phase program covering clients from their introductory visit to management of significant weight loss.

Phase I and II: Orientation and Assessment

• The first stage of the Loper treatment approach is an orientation visit to the Central Ohio Nutrition Center. Potential clients are introduced to the program and asked about their weight and diet history. In addition, the low-calorie diet regimen options offered by the center, including Optifast, a high-protein liquid-based diet, and the lean meat and high-fiber-based diet, are described.

  Once clients decide the start the program, the next step is a dietary assessment by a center dietitian. This entails discussing in detail the client's weight history, family history, experience with obesity, previous weight management attempts, and his body image. in addition, a clinical weight assessment and body mass index and body fat measurements are taken.

Exam and Evaluation

• Phase 2 involves a physical examination and evaluation for a strict low-calorie diet. Overall health and existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, are considered when readying a client for new diet regimen. A doctor at the center assumes responsibility for management of the client and care is coordinated with the client's primary care physician.

Treatment in Action

• The fourth stage of the program is the active weight loss phase. It can be time limited or open ended. If a time-limited option is ultimately selected, the patient goes on a strict, often liquid-only diet, for 12-16 weeks and then begins to transition. If open ended, patients are supported through other diet options and taught how to cook healthy food. During this stage, patients have weekly office visits. They consist of group classes and individual doctor exams. The group classes cover 26 topics on diet and exercise, and include lectures, group activities and discussion. Then individual doctor visits review compliance, discuss any emerging issues, particularly as they relate to the effects of the low-calorie regimen. The fifth phase is called refeeding and is a transitional period back to regular food and includes another comprehensive exam to measure results. The sixth phase is about teaching lifestyle modifications and maintenance of weight loss.

Ongoing Support

• The final phase of the program is a long-term intervention strategy that includes a support group, regular visits with a doctor, and food and exercise journaling. Much of the support at this stage is focused on managing clients through life changes during which there is a high risk of lapsing into bad eating habits, including relationship and work problems, vacations and family events.

Additional Treatment Options

• Some clients may have medications offered in combination with the foundational program. These include prescription drugs, such as Xenical and Meridia. Some of the center's doctors are bariatric surgeons. The center does not perform bariatric surgery but offers advice and counseling on it as well as pre- and post-op support. The center also runs a program for obese children and adolescents.