After Fen-Phen, Safe Diets Return

Carrie Webbenhurst’s husband, Steve, had his doubts about fen-phen. The Mead pharmacist wasn’t sure he and his wife should take the diet pills, even though they both had lots of weight to lose.

So in June 1996 the couple joined Jenny Craig Weight Loss Centres. Since that time they’ve lost a combined 111 pounds. Steve dropped 40 pounds in two and a half months while Carrie reached her goal weight last February.

“We were ready to make a lifestyle change and get healthy,” says Carrie.

In the wake of last month’s fen-phen recall, many people are searching like the Webbenhursts for a safe, effective alternative. They are turning to traditional weight-loss plans and finding a recurring theme: lose weight slowly, change your lifestyle habits and incorporate an exercise program.

Different plans are available, ranging from individual consultations with dietitians to weekly support groups. Here’s a look at some of the major programs in the area:

“It’s not magic, it’s all back to the basics of diet and exercise,” says dietitian Michelle Weinbender at Sacred Heart Medical Center’s Health Resource Center. “It always comes back to healthy eating without the gimmicks.”

Weinbender teaches an eight-week course with nurse Stace Albecoa. Called Think Light!, the program helps develop healthy habits for shopping, cooking and exercise. There are daily menu cards, weekly grocery lists, recipes and a book; the cost is $175.

“I’ve had people lose significant weight, lower cholesterol levels and start exercising again,” says Weinbender.

The next session starts Oct. 13 at Valley Hospital and Medical Center (call 744-7666). More classes are planned in the new year at the Health Resource Center (455-3201) and other locations as part of the new Inland Northwest Health Education Center.

Group support is the main focus of the TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) program.

“There’s something encouraging about weighing in each week,” says Velma Carter, the weight recorder for her Monday evening TOPS at the South Hill Assembly of God. “TOPS is a good program for people who want to lose weight and can’t do it on their own.”

For a $20 annual fee and $4 monthly dues, TOPS members receive a monthly magazine, a weekly support group with volunteer leaders and an optional weight-loss plan based on the diabetic exchange system. Members are encouraged to see their physician to set a goal weight.

“We realize weight loss is a struggle for individuals. There are no miracles,” says TOPS area coordinator Barbara Grove, who oversees 68 chapters in Eastern Washington and 11 in North Idaho. Most groups average 30-70 people. Call (800) 932-8677 for information on meetings in your area.

Many people are familiar with Weight Watchers, which introduced a new program in August. The 1-2-3 Success plan emphasizes a Points Food System instead of the basic food groups.

“No food is a no-no,” says Julie Clare, Weight Watchers territory manager for eastern Washington and north Idaho.

In the Points system, points are assigned to various foods based on calories, fat and fiber content. You select your foods and add up points until you reach your recommended total, which is based on factors such as height and weight.

“I love it, it’s so easy,” says Helen Rouse, 63, of Hayden Lake, Idaho, who lost four pounds in three weeks on the Points system and a total of 50 pounds in the past year. “You can have lots of vegetables, which are less points, and fruits too.”

Currently the $19 registration fee is waived and weekly meetings cost $9. After Oct. 18, weekly meetings will cost $11, along with the registration fee. There are about 250 meetings available in the area; call (800) 651-6000 for information.

Jenny Craig has several programs based on its special line of frozen and shelf-stable foods.

“It was an advantage. It made it easy to stay on the diet,” says Carrie Webbenhurst, who enjoyed the choice of more than 70 foods.

Jenny Craig spokesperson Brian Luscomb estimates food costs range from $45-$72 per week, not including dairy products, fruits and vegetables.

“We focus on helping clients develop a healthy, balanced approach to eating and an active lifestyle,” says Luscomb.

To entice newcomers, Jenny Craig’s ABC program offers a one-time $19 fee, which includes registration, consultations and classes (food purchases are separate). Check the Yellow Pages under “weight control” for locations in Spokane and north Idaho.

The Women’s Workshop in Spokane offers 12 different programs for women, with costs ranging from $30 to $80 every two weeks.

“Our programs are very individualized,” says dietitian Mary Kay Grossman. Some women have medical issues such as insulin resistance, she says, while some desire a natural program and others are on medications.

Physician-supervised and run by nurses and dietitians, the Women’s Workshop offers day and evening classes. Call 455-9469 for more information.

Overeaters Anonymous is a support group based on the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

“OA has been successful with long-term recovery from overeating compulsions,” says spokesperson Tiena, who declined to give her last name.

There are fourteen OA meetings in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene area each week. The groups are self-supporting and fees are optional; call 328-9972 for information.

Berkeley Health Systems Wellness and Weight Loss Clinics, with offices in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, offers a physician-supervised program for a flat $300 fee. There’s an initial 1-hour fitness test, individual counseling, menus, grocery lists and exercise programs.

“We’re mainly dealing with lifestyle,” says Berkeley president Raoul Ennett.

, DataTimes