The Duke Diet - Does The Duke Diet Work?
Duke Diet Overview
The Duke Diet is based on research and programs developed at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center. Since 1969, this North Carolina-based facility has helped people lose weight through a residential program in association with Duke University. One of the founders of the center, and co-author of the Duke Diet book, is a Duke University graduate and now Program Director at the fitness center.
While the Center is a prestigious facility that has a proven track record of success, two drawbacks are the location, which is obviously not accessible for many and the cost. The popular four-week residential program is over $7,000, well out of most peoples’ price range. However, the Duke Diet is now available online at just a fraction of that cost and convenient for anyone with access to a computer.
The official website for the online diet is very straightforward and ‘no-nonsense’. It contains sections with information about the experts who developed each part of the program and explains exactly what the four part program consists of. There are links to Barnes and Noble, the retail store that sells the Duke Diet book, which costs just $25.95, and a section containing a few testimonials. It should be noted however, that the individuals featured in this section attended the actual Duke Fitness Center, so they really do not reflect the online user’s experience.
Duke Diet – Product Description
The Duke Diet addresses four aspects of weight loss; diet, fitness, behaviour and health. The subscriber to the plan is provided with a personalized diet plan, a fitness routine, is given tools and advice on recognizing self-defeating behaviours and access to ‘medical expertise’.
To achieve successful weight loss, the program also gives the user meal plans and recipes, exercise routines, a shopping list tool and nutrition guide to help them make healthy choices, a lifestyle journal, weight tracker and 24-hour support. The cost of all the above is $4.00 per week which is billed quarterly.
Duke Diet Advantage
- The Duke Diet and Fitness Center is a respected and established facility
- The online plan provides all-round information and tools for successful weight loss
- The online program is very inexpensive
- The Duke website is very easy to navigate
Duke Diet Drawbacks
- There is no information as to what the Duke Diet is based on (i.e. low fat, low carb etc.)
- No food plans or sample menus are available for viewing
- The testimonials only feature Diet Center clients
- No FAQ’s are featured on the site
- No discounts or free time periods are offered
Duke Diet – The Bottom Line
It is not clear exactly how successful the Duke Diet would be when it is solely the responsibility of the customer to follow it. Although the online diet does offer 24-hour support, it is not likely to be as beneficial as if they were actually at the Duke Center.
Although no information is given as to the types of food allowed on the diet, it appears that the Duke Diet provides a sensible, sustainable and long-term solution to weight loss. It would be most helpful though if they featured testimonials from online dieters rather than Duke Center clients.
