KU Weight Management Program Options
Backed by 30+ years of research, our evidence-based programs provide comprehensive, behavioral lifestyle interventions led by trained health educators. We focus on nutrition, activity, and lifestyle changes to support lasting success.
1. 5-3-2-1 Program
Nutrition Plan includes:
5 Servings of fruits & vegetables
3 Meal replacement shakes
2 Protein bars
1 Nutritious meal
Activity Plan
Designed to meet you where you are, our program helps you build regular activity habits. The goal is to gradually increase activity to 150+ minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, like brisk walking, with tools and support to sustain an active lifestyle.
Lifestyle Plan
Weekly group sessions and self-monitoring with a trained health educator provides accountability, motivation, and skill-building. The weekly group classes are offered through Zoom on several days and times each week.
2. Lifestyle Maintenance
Our Lifestyle Maintenance program provides long-term support for sustainable lifestyle changes following engagement in one of our weight loss programs. Your nutrition and activity plan will be flexible to meet your needs. You’ll continue to focus on a foundation of fruits and vegetables with balanced protein, carbohydrates, and heart-healthy fats. In addition, continue to work towards150+ minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
There are 4 group education sessions delivered on zoom each month that you can attend.
3. 1-on-1 Nutrition Counseling
We offer individualized nutrition counseling with a licensed registered dietitian to provide specialized recommendations or dietary modifications. Nutrition counseling is an option to utilize either alone or in addition to our 5-3-2-1 and Lifestyle Maintenance programs. Nutrition counseling is a valuable option for those in need of one-on-one support for weight management or those with specialized (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free) nutrition considerations.
Nutrition counseling is an insurance based and includes participation in the KU Health System weight management clinic. To participate in this program, you will need a medical referral to meet with one of the weight management physicians prior to starting. Appointments are available in the Weight Mgmnt clinic on the KUMC campus or on telehealth. For more information on acquiring a medical referral, please contact weightloss@kumc.edu or call 913-945-8182.
4. Medically Monitored Very-Low Calorie
Very Low-Calorie (VLCD) is a medically monitored, liquid only diet that consists of 5+ portion control shakes/soups per day. The shakes/soups are designed to provide the nutrition your body needs during this program. Participation in VLCD requires physician clearance and ongoing medical monitoring. The KU Health System Weight Management Clinic services are billed to insurance as a general practitioner and are covered by most commercial insurances, Kansas Medicare and Medicaid.
You will join the weekly education classes for those following the 5-3-2-1 program for behavioral education and support.
How to Join
If you would like to learn more about our programs, please email weightloss@kumc.edu or call 913-945-8182.
You can also apply here and we will contact you directly.
If you would like to schedule a phone call, please leave a detailed phone message or send an email providing your name and call back number and our program assistant will reach out within 1 business day.
Program Expenses
5-3-2-1 Program or Medically Monitored VLCD:
Monthly subscription $85/month or 10% discount when paid in full ($459)
Includes free Balance Smart Scale ($99 value) with MyHealthyJourney mobile app access.
Food purchases to support your nutrition plan are not included in this membership price.
Food: ~$120-140/week
Lifestyle Maintenance:
Enrollment for 3, 6, or 12 months available
Costs range from $35 to $45 per month
1-on-1 Nutrition Counseling:
Billed to insurance