Cooper Wellness Offers Multi-Pronged Approach to Weight Loss
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06/11/2010
Experts at Cooper Aerobics Center tackle the diverse reasons for weight problems
As a majority of Americans struggle with extra pounds, Cooper Wellness offers a healthy, lasting approach to weight loss during stay-overs at its Guest Lodge in Dallas. Wellness-program experts help clients identify reasons for excess weight and show them how to include more physical activity and wholesome foods in their daily routines.
“Our philosophy towards weight loss is backed by years of research and sound medical science,” says Todd Whitthorne, executive director at Cooper Wellness, which is part of the Cooper Aerobics Center. “Weight problems can result from genetics, overeating, inactivity, illness or emotional distress,” he explains. “We help clients understand related issues so that they can achieve long-lasting changes.”
Since no one approach to weight loss works for everyone, Cooper Wellness offers a variety of services and has a multidisciplinary team of exercise physiologists, dietitians, physicians and psychologists on hand to guide clients toward their goals.
The U.S. has become “obesogenic,” or a society that promotes excessive food intake, consumption of unhealthy, fatty foods and inadequate physical activity, according to the government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Policy. Government data show that nearly 33 percent of American adults are overweight and another 34 percent are obese.
To help clients shed weight, Cooper Wellness offers six-day and weekend stays in Dallas that include a variety of exercise and aerobics classes given by staff-certified and degreed exercise physiologists and trainers. Instructors get everyone moving, and clients can visit the Cooper Fitness Center to use state-of-the-art equipment or swim in either of its two heated pools. At the start of a Cooper Wellness stay, visitors can schedule a comprehensive medical examination at Cooper Clinic.
To stay healthy and trim, American adults need to devote at least two and a half hours to moderate exercise every week, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. An alternative to that approach is to perform 75 minutes of vigorous, aerobic activity weekly, the agency says.
“Weight loss really isn't about crash dieting,” says Kathleen Duran-Thal, nutrition director at Cooper Wellness. “The best way to achieve long-term weight loss is to modify behavior. We'll help you learn to make smarter choices--whether that means better time management, meal planning or food shopping habits.” Cooper experts believe that being allowed to consume all foods, rather than adhering to a restrictive diet, is the most effective approach to weight loss.
At Cooper Wellness, weight-loss coaches offer guidance, and since excess weight is caused by more than too much food, a clinical psychologist is on hand to help identify reasons for overeating and to provide practical suggestions. In Wellness classes, instructors advise ways to incorporate a balanced diet in daily life and explain how to shop for groceries, prepare healthy meals and order from menus. Personal nutrition counseling is available and vitamin recommendations are made. A trained chef and nutritionist conducts culinary demonstrations.
Wholesome and delicious meals are prepared throughout Wellness stays and consumed in the Cookery, a demonstration kitchen and dining room. Fat and caloric intakes are carefully monitored by a registered and licensed dietitian, and food preferences and allergies are accommodated.
And for those clients who have had weight-reduction surgery recently, Cooper Wellness can help with post-surgery workouts and nutrition.
“Regular physical activity and good nutrition have to become a way of life in order to keep weight off,” says Whitthorne “Devote two days or six days to us, and start living the kind of life that you really desire.” Cooper Wellness hosts clients at the Cooper Guest Lodge, an elegant 62-room hotel in Dallas on the campus of the Cooper Aerobics Center.