Weight Management Programs

Program / Description / Cost / Format / Contact number/email / Website or email contact
Weight Watchers / Program centers on nutritious eating, exercise habits, supportive environment, and a healthy rate of weight loss. Uses a flexible food plan that follows a point system. Every food has a point value, based on calories, fat and fiber. Behavior management and exercise topics are emphasized. / First meeting is free. Monthly cost $40.00, or $12/wk. Free after reaching goal weight. Special offers are available. / Weekly meetings
or
Online / 1-800-651-6000 /
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) / Non-profit, wt-loss support program that encourages healthy lifestyle through weight management. Uses food pyramid exchange system with calorie goals, exercise, and tracking tools. / Dues: $26.00/yr / Group meetings, following aprivate weigh-in / 412-751-7115 /
Lifestyle Balance / Program is designed for non–diabetic, overweight individuals age 18 and older who have pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome. At the conclusion of the initial 12–week series, participants are invited to attend monthly maintenance sessions for ongoing support and guidance. / Research funded programs are offered at no cost to participants. / Group format / 412-383-1286 /
MOVE (Managing Overweight Veterans Everywhere) / National weight management program for VA employees and veterans. Provides support for self-management of nutrition, physical activity and behavioral interventions. / Free for VA employees and veterans. / Group meeting and individual consultations / 412-954-4309 / Email:

Healthy Black Family Project / Offers nutrition information with a certified nutritionist. Health coaches assist with physical activity plan and making behavior changes / Free / Open to African Americans and other ethnic groups. Several facilities located in Pittsburgh offering space for exercise classes, health coaching and nutrition counseling. / 412-361-2391 /
UPMC Health Plan / Offers individualized health coaching, for weight management and exercise. Includes meal planning, tracking tools, behavior management and physical activity guidelines. / Free / On-line or telephonic health coaching / 1-800-807-0751 /
Dean Ornish / Weight loss is achieved by changing food choices, exercise. Behavior & stress management support provided. Diet is very low-fat consisting of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains. Fats and oils are limited. No alcohol, red meat or sugar is allowed. / Highmark and UPMC Health Plan reimburse for patients meeting specific criteria such as cardiac disease. / Group sessions with exercise physiologist, registered dietician, behaviorist, nurse. / 412-359-6443 /
e-mail:

Overeaters Anonymous / 12-Step support group for individuals seeking to abstain from compulsive eating behaviors. No specific diet or exercise is offered. Recovery is achieved through shared experiences. OA members interested in learning about nutrition, or who seek professional advice are encouraged to consult qualified professionals. / Voluntary “pass the basket” at meeting / Group meetings / 505-891-2664 /
Nutrisystem / Provides nutritionally balanced meal plan using pre-packaged foods. Diet plan provides 1200 calories for women and 1500 calories for men. Plan can be customized for diabetes, vegetarians, etc A 12-week, self-guided "Mindset Makeover" behavioral guide is offered. / 11$/day / Individual counseling, on-line and telephonic support / 800-585-5483 /
Jenny Craig / Focus is on a pre- packaged meal plan. Menus are individualized and the type and amount of food is controlled. Physical activity and behavioral issues are included in counseling. / Approx
$137.00/mo / Individual weekly meetings with a Jenny Craig certified counselor. Meeting can be face-to-face or by phone. On-line format is also available. / 877-597-JENNY /