UCLA Weight Loss Program

RFO changed my life. It is over 7 years since I went through the program. The quick weight loss was wonderful (90 pounds in 5 months) But more importantly, the life skills they taught has helped me both keep the fat off and build muscle.
This is one of the best things I have ever done.

The RFO program is a highly effective multidisciplinary medically-​supervised weight loss program. Once you are accepted into this program — there is an initial screening and brief medical history which you must complete and make an appointment — no drop-​ins for the first visit) you will be given the option to have a full-​fast ;protein shakes/​bars/​products, or modified fast, including food. Depending on your choice of program you will be monitored weekly/​bimonthly until you reach your goals. This includes blood draw, nutritional visit to an RD, and very important — group or individual behavioral programs, along with the doctor visit. I have personal experience with 2 hospital-​based programs and this one is very thorough, and includes maintenance after weight loss. The program provides you with weekly charts of weight loss, and detailed results of the blood tests, which include analysis of 28 separate metrics.
While no program can guarantee success, you are empowered by education on nutrition, given techniques for self-​management and are treated respectfully by the medical and other health care practitioners who make up the team. The program manager is very experienced and runs a smooth program, i.e., you are in a well-​managed program even if the schedule is compressed.
You should expect to receive a packet once accepted to program which outlines the requirements. The program does request that you have mandatory attendance for the first 6 – 8 weeks. Whereas the program does not accept insurance, you may find that your health plan if covered may reimburse some of the expenses.
In my case, I lost 30 lbs in approximately 12 months on the program which is considered very good. The program is not a ‘quick fix’ but rather a venue to teach the patient life skills. I left due to a job change and without following a maintenance program, and did regain 19 lbs. However, I am confident that I will be able to also lose the gained fat and also re-​institute the skills. Your results will be up to you. The program will teach you behavioral techniques to avoid unnecessary stress over food by employing environmental control and other skills.
The program can refer you to physical trainers which are plentiful in LA if you need guidance there. The program operates on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Parking on campus — or on the street if available legally — is extra but this is explained in the program. The expenses are collected monthly and are very reasonable for such intensive programming. You can expect on a given visit — other than the first, which has a baseline blood draw and other tests– to have an MD, RD, and behavioral consultation, of which the last is in group format. There are also lectures weekly on various aspects of obesity as well as group support work. Fees are $ 295 per month (food products are additional) until you reach your goal then maintenance is $ ⁴⁰⁰⁄₆ months. Very reasonable considering all of the services received.