HMR Program Frequently Asked Questions
What is The HMR Program for Weight Management™?
HMR’s clinically proven diet programs are a sensible, healthy way to lose weight. No gimmicks or fads. Created by physicians and other healthcare professionals, and backed by extensive scientific data, HMR® Programs are widely recognized for their successful outcomes. Each program offers a highly structured, easy-to-follow diet that emphasizes healthy eating habits and fast, long-lasting weight loss, whether you want to lose 20 pounds or 200 pounds. They’re ideal for anyone wanting to lose weight and become healthier, including those with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and other medical conditions. Weekly group meetings offer motivation and strategies for building healthy eating habits and practicing doable levels of physical activity. There is also a home-based option as well with “do-it-yourself” weight-loss kits, each with a complete collection of HMR diet foods, weight-loss tools, and tips.
Why should I choose HMR?
People lose more weight and keep more weight off with HMR than with any other ongoing weight management program (based on published weight-loss results). That’s why HMR is the country’s leading provider of medical weight-loss programs, offered by more hospitals and medical centers than any other medical weight-loss program.
In addition, physicians and dieters alike have trusted HMR for more than 25 years. In addition to being clinically effective for weight and health management, HMR Programs are cost effective. In fact, participants have reported saving money on groceries and medications while on the program.
How does the HMR Program work?
The goal of the program is to help participants incorporate simple lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off for a lifetime of better health. HMR Program diets are highly structured to make it easier for people to lose weight. The diets use HMR shakes, entrees, pudding, soup, multigrain hot cereal and BeneFit® bars, which are used in place of meals, and may be combined with fresh fruits and vegetables. Research shows that structured diets using meal replacements are the most successful for weight loss and long-term weight maintenance.
What are the health benefits of losing weight with HMR?
Losing weight can result in dramatic health improvements. That’s because excess weight and obesity are risk factors for a number of chronic health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, joint problems, sleep apnea, and more. Participants in the HMR Program often find that they are able to reduce or eliminate the medications they are taking for many of these conditions. Furthermore, the lifestyle changes the HMR Program helps people make – increasing physical activity and consuming more fruits and vegetables while decreasing fat in their diet – also contribute to dramatic health improvements.
Is the HMR Program covered by my health insurance?
HMR Program fees, associated medical fees and food costs are not typically covered by health insurance plans.
What does the HMR Program cost?
Fees vary depending on the amount of weight loss and medical supervision required.
Where can I buy and pick-up the HMR food?
Currently all HMR food can be ordered and picked up at Harvard Vanguard's Kenmore and Chelmsford practices.
How do I decide which HMR Program option is best for me?
Your primary care physician, nurse, or physician assistant can help you determine how much weight you should lose. The Harvard Vanguard HMR Program physician, nurse or nurse practitioner can then work with you to determine which diet option is best for you.
Why HMR® Weight-Loss Foods?
- Proven to work
- Low-fat and low-calorie
- Portion controlled
- Flavorful and nutritious
- Recommended by physicians nationwide
- Simple to make—ready in a minute
- No guesswork or decisions about what to eat
- Portable—no refrigeration necessary
- Versatile—mix HMR Entrees with vegetables, add fruit to turn HMR Shakes into smoothies, and more!
* The HMR Program is not typically covered by health insurance. This program is recommended for adults only.
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