KU Weight Management Program Options

Program flyer
5-3-2-1 Flyer

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. Traditional Weight Management Program

The Traditional Weight Management Program is a two-phase program. Phase 1 is structured for weight loss and phase 2 is structured for focused on weight maintenance. These two phases allow us to apply a research based, long-term approach for healthy lifestyle change.

Phase I: Weight Loss

Nutrition Plan

The 5-3-2-1 nutrition plan, also known as our Low-Calorie Plan (LCD) is designed to complement the behavioral intervention. 

  • 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 midweek personal feedback from a health educator provide accountability, motivation, and skill-building. The weekly group classes are offered through Zoom on several days and times each week.

Phase II: Weight Maintenance

Once your health goals are achieved in Phase 1 you transition to Phase 2, focusing on building on the knowledge and skills to sustain your success. 

Phase 2 Plan

Your Phase 2 nutrition plan is designed to have the flexibility to build a plan that works for you. You’ll continue to focus on a foundation of fruits and vegetables with balanced protein, carbohydrates, and heart-healthy fats. 

There are 4 group sessions delivered on zoom each month that you can attend. 

2. 1-on-1 Nutrition Counseling

We offer individualized nutrition counseling with a licensed dietitian to provide specialized recommendations or dietary modifications. Nutrition counseling is an option to utilize either in addition to Phase I and Phase II (recommended), or in place of one of our traditional 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) diet restrictions.

To participate in this program, you will need to meet with one of the weight management physicians prior to starting. Appointments are available in person in our clinic on the KUMC campus or on telehealth.

3. Medically Monitored Very-Low Calorie Plan

The Very Low-Calorie Plan (VLCD) 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. 

You will join the weekly education classes described in the traditional program above.

  • Participation in the Very Low-Calorie plan requires physician clearance and ongoing medical monitoring. The KU Weight Management Physician services are billed to insurance as a general practitioner and are covered by most commercial insurances, Kansas Medicare and Medicaid.

How to Join

If you would like to learn more about our programs, please call 913-945-8184 or email weightloss@ku.edu.

You can also apply here and we will contact you soon to set up an orientation.

Program Expenses

Phase 1: Traditional 5-3-2-1 Program: Monthly payments or paid in full discounts available.

Out-of-pocket costs: 

  • 6-Month Program: $510 + tax
    • Monthly payment option: $85/month
    • Paid in full: $459
    • Includes free Balance Smart Scale ($99 value)
    • Includes MyHealthyJourney mobile app access.
  • Food purchases to support your nutrition plan are not included in this membership price.
    • Food: ~$120-140/week

Phase 2: Maintenance Program: 3-12 Month options available

Out-of-pocket costs: 

  • 6-Month Program: $210 + tax
    • Monthly payment option: $40/month
    • Paid in full: $189

 1-on-1 Nutrition Counseling: Billed to insurance