Structure House in Durham, North Carolina is a respected residential weight loss program founded upon the philosophy that achieving and maintaining weight loss goals is the result of changing the way overweight individuals think about nutrition, exercise and the role food plays in their lives.

Structure House offers healthy weight loss vacations from 7 days (1 week) to 28 days (4 weeks), which provide a wealth of health information, nutrition education, increased opportunities for activity, and an elevated awareness of the triggers that can lead to unhealthy overeating. A visit to Structure House is a life changing weight loss vacation that leaves you motivated, refreshed, renewed, and on your way to a long-term healthy lifestyle. All programs include personal training sessions, weekly meetings with a masters- or doctorate-level therapist, consultations with dietitians, and a weekly schedule that offers over 90 classes to choose from in behavioral health, nutrition, and group exercise classes.

In addition to its core weight loss program, Structure House provides specialized programs for those with diabetes and individuals who have recently undergone bariatric surgery.  In 2011 Structure House debuted the Bridge Program, which was designed to meet the needs of those adults who struggle with the dual problems of obesity along with binge eating disorder or emotional overeating. The Bridge Program places equal emphasis on treating both issues, appreciating that true recovery from binge eating requires much more than weight loss.

Structure House's specialized bariatric weight loss surgery track combines behavioral and insight interventions to enhance the long-term effectiveness of bariatric surgery—both for those who have had obesity surgery, and for surgical candidates who need to develop a viable exercise and nutrition plan prior to surgery.

Obesity surgery may change the body, but it does not change the mind. By combining the principles and strategies of the acclaimed Structure House Bariatric Surgery Program with the alterations from surgery, we create a team approach to help you enhance long-term success.

Structure House integrates the principles of nutrition, exercise and psychology into a time-tested treatment approach designed to transform the eating habits and lifestyles of overweight individuals. As participants learn to incorporate structure into their daily lives, they begin to realize their potential as students of positive, lasting change.  Structure House was founded by Dr. Gerard J. Musante, author of The Structure House Weight Loss Plan, and the program is led by treatment professionals who are published experts in the fields of obesity and obesity related disorders.

Since 1977, Structure House has helped many thousands of participants from many nations battle obesity. The program has been featured in a wide range of media outlets, including The Today Show, The New York Times, 60 Minutes, Glamour magazine, the Wall Street Journal, CNN, FOX & Friends and USA TODAY.

Participants mentioning SpaIndex.com and presenting a SpaFlyer Offer from SpaIndex.com: Guide to Spas, enjoy a 20% discount when booking a four-week residential program.

A Typical Day at Structure House
 

• 7 am: Begin your day with an invigorating and heart pumping group cycling workout while listening to music that will get your energy flowing.  Or opt for a walk along our nature trails.

• 8:30 am: Breakfast. Enjoy a freshly prepared berry filled crepe with yogurt and your choice of fresh fruit, with English muffin, margarine, decaffeinated coffee or choose from a variety of hot teas.    The food at Structure House was developed jointly by our Nutrition and Dining Services staff. Menus range from 1200-1600 calories and follow American Heart Association guidelines for a healthy diet. Guests are served 3 meals per day in our dining room, so you’ll eat without distraction from television, the internet, books, etc. It’s a fun bonding experience to share your day with your fellow participants while slowing down and enjoying your meal.

• 9 am: Use foam rollers to increase your flexibility and stretch out your muscles in this fun group fitness class. Or feel the cool breeze on your face as you get outside and connect with nature on a hike through Duke’s beautiful trails.

• 10:10am: Attend your weekly one-on-one private session with a therapist and begin to explore your personal relationship with food and other topics to help you move forward in your journey to better health. Or why not take a dip in our pool and splash your way through our take on bootcamp, aquatic style.

• 11am: Learn the most up to date information from our fitness staff about the role exercise plays in your new lifestyle with “Exercise Recommendations for Weight Loss.”

• Noon: Lunch- Feast on broccoli and cheese soup (a participant favorite.), made-to-order turkey or tuna salad on pita bread with your choice of sandwich toppings, seasonal fruits and a vibrant green salad; or choose from a selection of alternates to create your own lunch entrée.

• 1:10pm: Interested in strength training but found your local gym too intimidating with all the machines? Our “Intro to Weight Training” class will show you how to properly use each piece found in a typical gym. Alternatively, the fitness craze that everyone’s talking about: Zumba. This dance-oriented class will get your feet moving and your head bopping to the music.

• 2:10pm: Gain endurance and strength during your one-on-one personal training session. Our trainers will develop an exercise plan just for you, tailored to your fitness level, which challenges your body and is results driven. Or, attend our diary workshop, one of the essential components of the Structure House program. Why keep track of all your food and exercise? You’ll find out here.

• 3:10pm: Step outside the box and have some fun with us at belly dancing. This body positive class will get your hips shaking and is sure to make you smile. Or see Nutrition Director Marlene Lesson uncover the latest news in weight loss tactics with her “Fat Controversies” series.

• 4:10pm: Attend Stress Management class with Clinical Director Lee Kern, who teaches practical methods to managing stress without food once you’re back home.

• 5:30pm: Dinner out with fellow participants and a staff dietitian at a local restaurant, where you will gain valuable insight on learning to plan for eating out and how to order meals to fit within your lifestyle.

• 7 pm: Unwind from the day with our fitness experts who guide you through yoga poses appropriate for your experience level. You’ll learn how to use your strength to achieve deep stretching and tranquility and spend a few minutes in meditation where you reflect on all the hard work you’ve done today. Another option: relax into pure bliss while receiving a deep tissue, Swedish, or hot stone massage from one of our massage therapists.

• 8pm: Head back to your private apartment for some personal time before the night ends.  A brand new day begins tomorrow.

TIP:   Did you know the fees you spend on a Weight Loss Program may be tax deductible?   In April 2002, the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued its Revised Rule 2002-19 which discusses and further details IRS Code 213 concerning tax deductible costs associated with medical expenses, including participation in a weight loss program if prescribed by a physician, for tax payers suffering from a weight-related disease.  We suggest our readers discuss this issue with both a physician and a CPA or Tax Preparer to learn if your circumstances, and your plans to participate in a weight loss retreat, qualify you for a tax deduction.