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Thirty percent of Americans are actively trying to lose weight, according to a November 2011 Gallup poll. Many turn to programs like the Diet Center for help. Merrillyn Helton and Lynn Spach of the Diet Center have guided people toward their weight-loss goals for the past 28 years. They are located at 511 Shepherd Street in Winston-Salem.

Merrillyn Helton, who owns the center, says weight loss can be difficult. “If you could lose weight yourself, you would have already done it,” she said. “We can offer  support.”

The Diet Center approach differs from other programs, in that their focus on nutrition. “We emphasize a balanced approach that meets the body’s nutritional  requirements and helps clients feel better overall,” she said.

The first step in the Diet Center process is a complimentary weight-loss consultation. Counselors gather information about health, lifestyle, and diet history during this no-obligation, 45 minute session. Lean muscle mass, body fat percentage, and resting metabolic rate are  tested as well, and an individualized weight loss plan is created.

Those who decide to proceed make a 6- week commitment. Two 10-15 minute, one-to-one counseling sessions are scheduled each  week during which counselors measure weight loss and body composition and discuss the client’s progress.

The Diet Center offers three types of plans. Exclusively You is the core Diet Center program. It emphasizes healthy food choices from grocery store foods based on the food pyramid.

Read more on page 44 in the January 2012 Issue