Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get into the program?

You may contact us at wcrp@ku.edu or by telephone at 785-864-1685 or toll free at 866-962-9288. Our staff will tell you about upcoming informational meetings and obtain your contact information for future opportunities.

Do you provide state of Kansas Employees any discounts?

Yes. The Star Discount Program offers State of Kansas employees an opportunity to take advantage of product and service discounts offered by various vendors throughout the state, including the KU Weight Control Research Project. Find out more about the Star Discount program.

Are the group leaders qualified?

Yes. Each person who teaches groups with the KU Weight Control Research Project has a degree in one or more of three areas; nutrition, physical activity, or behavior. Often, group leaders have master's degrees and/or certifications to enhance their knowledge base.

How much weight loss can I expect?

The average participant of our programs loses approximately 10% of their baseline body weight, with some losing more and some losing less. Typically, participants lose 2-4 pounds per week in the beginning which gradually slows to 1-2 pounds per week.

I've never been able to maintain my weight loss. Can you help me?

Yes! We recently published data in which 70% of follow up survey respondents who had been out of the program for 6 months to 3 or more years had maintained a weight loss of at least 5%, which is both clinically significant and highly successful. If you are willing to do the work, we can help you!

Can I eat other meals besides meal replacements products and fruits and vegetables?

During the weight loss phase, participants are expected to consume the minimum weekly prescription of meal replacements: 3 shakes, 2 entrees, and 5 one cup servings of fruits and vegetables. In the weight maintenance phase, participants are given a calorie goal and may choose to eat any foods they like within that goal. We strongly recommend participants continue to consume 14 entrees per week in maintenance as a means of calorie and portion control.

The diet sounds boring! How can I make it interesting?

Group leaders offer demonstrations of recipes that utilize the meal replacements products. We provide a recipe booklet that has many options for changing shakes and entrees into various types of foods. For example, you can add zero calorie root beer to a vanilla shake to make a root beer float. You can use the Chicken Creole entree and a red or orange pepper to make baked stuffed peppers. You can even use instant coffee and a chocolate shake to make a mocha shake. The possibilities are endless!

Can I drink milk, coffee, or soda?

Participants of Weight loss may not drink milk or milk products. However, if you consume all 3 shakes per day, you are consuming 100% of your daily calcium needs. You may drink black coffee and add condiments that fit the 15 calorie limit if necessary. You may also drink zero calorie soda. You are encouraged to drink 64 ounces of water per day to help digestion of the high fiber foods you will be consuming.

How is the food delivered to me?

All participants receive their food when they attend meetings.

Do I have to eat fresh fruits and vegetables only?

No. You may utilize fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables. Canned fruits and vegetables must be drained and rinsed.

Can I use condiments such as catsup, mustard, or salad dressings?

Yes. We give each participant a list of condiments they may utilize. Each person may have 4 servings of condiments per day at 15 calories each.

Are there any fruits or vegetables I cannot eat?

Yes. Participants are asked not to consume fruit or vegetable juices, dried fruits, or avocados. Each of these items is high in calories and sugars and some contain very little fiber to help you feel full.

What happens at the health assessments (testing)?

We record your height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, waist, and hip circumference. We also record all of the medications you take regularly along with their costs. Assessments are completed at baseline and 3 months in Weight loss but are not completed in Weight maintenance.

Can my husband/wife/friend attend meetings with me

Family members and friends may participate together in WCRP. However, family or friends who do not pay to be a part of the program may not attend meetings unless the instructor asks you to bring them along.

Do I have to exercise in this program?

Yes. Participants gradually progress from very little exercise (3 days, 15 minutes per day) during week 1 up to 300 minutes in week 11.

I hate exercising! What type of exercise do I have to do?

Exercise needs to be primarily aerobic in nature to count towards your weekly goal. Walking is a great example and can be completed throughout the program. Other examples include biking, swimming, aerobic classes, hiking, jogging, elliptical, workout videos, Zumba, and dance classes. We strive to help you find activities that you will enjoy, long term!

Can I purchase the meal replacements foods after I have completed the first 6 months?

Yes! We offer product pickup in Kansas City and Lawrence. You may order online or by contacting us at 866.962.9288. We ask that orders be placed at least one week in advance to ensure we have products available.