The Optifast ® Program at

InterMountain Clincial Nutrition

We are group of committed professionals who strive to motivate our patients in achieving their weight loss goals. Intermountain Clinical Nutrition is unique in respecting that each patient has individual needs. Our programs addressess the medical, physical, emotional and behavioral aspects of weight loss. Our promise to you is for you to never feel alone in your journey to lose weight.

The ICN Philosophy Believes:

• Compulsive eating is a chronic, progressive and addictive disease.
• Defense mechanisms such as Denial prevent individuals from recovering.
• Autobiography/"first step" presentations provides structure for; admitting the depth of the problem, facilitating change, and the beginning of the recovery process.
• Ongoing group involvement is critical for long-term success.

The Full-Meal Replacement Program

• Patient has an inital appointment with Dr. Benowitz for a preliminary history/physical evaluation and blood work-up. 
• Patient has a Behavioral Assessment with our Behaviorist.
• Patient has a Clinic visit every Tuesday afternoon at ICN.
• Patient has blood work every other week to monitor physical changes.
• Patient attends a Behavior Modification Group every Tuesday evening.
• Patient will consume only Optifast, typically 5 drinks a day and 2 quarts of water, depending on their weight, age and health. 
• Patients are encouraged to maintain an exercise program.
• Patients will receive a monthly newsletter from ICN.

On the average, our patients can anticipate losing 3 to 5 pounds a week.  There is no definite time limit on length of fasting with Optifast.  We have had patients fast for 12 weeks and/or up to 20 weeks, depending on the amount of weight loss necessary for them to stabilize their health.

1. A 12 and/or 20 week Full Meal Replacement program would have an additional 6 weeks of transition to the Modified Meal Replacement Phase where the patient is reintroduced to food.
2. During this Modified-Meal Phase, the patient meets weekly with the dietitian.
3. Upon completion of the transition period, the patient would have both a behavioral evaluation and a dietitary evaluation.
4. The patient will have one year of Aftercare Group (Tuesday evenings) available for continued support and weight loss maintenance.

The Modified-Meal Replacement Program is available for new patients and returning patients.

• Patient does not require medical monitoring. 
• Patient will consume approximately 1200/1500 calories a day ( 3 - 4 Optifast drinks a day and a 750/600 calorie meal) depending on their weight, age and health. 
• This is a traditional diet with the expected weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week.
• Patients are encouraged to maintain an exercise program, generally walking 3 miles a day, 5 days per week and to drink 2 quarts of water daily.
• Patient will meet weekly or every other week with the behaviorist for behavior consulting and accountability.
• Patients will have a behavioral assessment.
• Patients will also receive monthly newsletter from us .
• Patients can choose to attend the Aftercare Behavior Modification Group.

This is a broad overview of our program. 

1. Patients wishing to begin a Full Meal Replacement Program would need to call Shelly Turner, ICN Clinic Director, at Dr. Benowitz’ office (801)408-2600 to schedule an initial appointment.
2. Patients wishing a Modified Meal Replacement Program need only come to the office to purchase their food.  The ICN Director, Shelly Turner , will provide you the dates of the next support group. ICN Program Director, Nanette Benowitz, ,is available to meet with the patient to provide free weekly consultations during the modified program for information, evaulation and continuing options to the patient.
3. You can also contact us by email at inquiries@icnoptifast.com.
4. Free-ICN Program orientation consultations are available with our Program Director, Nanette Benowitz. To schedule an appointment, contact the ICN Clinical Director, Shelly Turner, at (801) 406-2600.