Testimonials

"A year ago, I realized that I had let my physical state deteriorate not just uncomfortably, but dangerously. With the love and encouragement of my family and friends, I embarked on a remarkable journey."

David Wolfe sheds over 100 pounds in one year and completes a 300-mile biking trip

David Wolfe was determined to lose weight. At the age of 42, he weighed 288 pounds and had a variety of health problems associated with his obesity, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, acid reflux disease and migraine headaches. The numerous medications David took to control these conditions made it difficult to sleep — which meant yet another addition to his prescription cocktail: sleeping pills.

A sudden escalation in weight-related health issues prompted David to research various diet programs in the Raleigh/Durham area. He chose to attend Structure House because it was residential and offered so many beneficial behavior modification, nutrition and fitness classes, which went beyond merely adhering to a strict diet or counting calories.

"I just decided, now is the time," said David, an entrepreneur and private equity investor.

Prior to his weeklong Structure House visit in April 2005, he shared his goal of losing 100 pounds in one year with everyone he knew. David called and emailed more than 50 family members, friends and business partners to inform them of his intentions.

"By making my weight loss goals public, people could encourage me," said David, a United Kingdom (UK) native who now resides in Virginia. "When you make a public appeal, you're much less likely to fail."

Friends pledged money per pound that he lost — and the results have been amazing. To date, he has amassed over $10,000 in pledges. The proceeds will go toward starting a foundation to support families facing childhood obesity problems.

David lost 12 pounds during his one-week stay at Structure House. As the year progressed, he continued to implement the lessons he learned, achieving and maintaining a "structured" lifestyle. Now, over a year later, David is 100 pounds lighter and in great health.

"I'm in the best shape of my life, my heart rate has gone down, and my blood pressure is lower than ever," David said. "And best of all, I am off all the medications".

David's lifestyle has changed drastically from a year ago. He now goes to the gym regularly, runs three miles a day, and lifts weights at least three times a week. David, his wife and their two daughters enjoy exercising together, too.

"The kids love it because we can work out together. We even go to the gym as a family," he said.

David is also an avid cyclist. He rides 30 miles every weekend, and does a spinning class two to three times a week. Most recently, David and his 13-year-old daughter, Sophie, ventured to Israel for the Arava Institute & Hazon Israel Bike Ride, a five-day biking excursion. From May 9 through May 16, they rode a total of 300 miles from Jerusalem to Eilat, the southernmost city of Israel on the coast of the Red Sea.

"I heard about this ride four years ago and knew I'd get to it if I could get my weight under control," David said.

The money they raised for the bike ride supports two organizations: The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies and Hazon. These organizations support environmental studies and environmental protection in Israel; peaceful coexistence in the Middle East, as well as solidarity and partnership between America and Israel, issues David and his family are passionate about.

"The ride was the most intense physical challenge I have ever experienced," David said. "I can't even begin to explain how it feels to take on a six mile climb in 110 degree heat in the desert after you"ve already completed 45 miles of riding, but the scenery was spectacular and experiencing it with my 13-year-old daughter was priceless."

David chronicled his exciting trip on MSN Spaces with daily blog entries, featuring breathtaking pictures and insightful observations. You can check out some of his adventures at http://davidsophieisrael2006.spaces.live.com/

David's completion of the 300-mile bike ride is a testament of his extraordinary progress toward achieving a healthier lifestyle. Yet unlike the ride across Israel, David's quest toward optimal health and physical fitness will not cease after he reaches the "finish line" of his ideal weight.

"Weight loss is truly a journey " not a destination," David said. "And it has been an amazing journey so far."

Men, whose average weight was 334 pounds (weight ranged from 222 to 572) lost an average of 23 lbs in the four week program. Women, whose average weight was 236 lbs (weight ranged from 160 to 379) lost an average of 15 lbs.

Roni, 49, Arizona:

"Before I came to Structure House I tried most diets and pills known to mankind. I tried it all and the results were devastating resulting in the much anticipated Yo Yo effect: lose weight and gain it back plus few more for good measure. Nothing worked.

"Being at Structure House made me re-examine my life and focus on what was really important. Slowly, as I began to shed pounds and I cleaned my own house, my state of mind shifted as well. I felt that I was given a new lease on life one more time.

"Structure House helped me change my life 180 degrees and put me back on the road of longevity. Again I cannot say thank you enough to each and every one of the staff for helping me achieve my goal."

Robert, 46, Real Estate Developer, New York:

"I have had a weight problem (actual and perceptual) since childhood. My father was very overweight and died of heart disease at age 62. I had been exercising regularly for the past 20 years but was unable to control my weight. I spent one week at Structure House three years ago and as incredible as this may sound, that one week changed my whole outlook on food. I was able to understand the concept of creating structure in my eating habits, in the way I exercised, and in dealing with emotional or psychological elements that are necessary for maintaining a healthy and balanced existence.

"I spend a total of 45 minutes each week organizing my food intake and exercise regimen for that week. I lost 27 pounds with in six months of my visit to Structure House and most important, I have been able to keep the weight off. The concept of structuring one's eating and exercise habits is a very practical and effective means for successful weight reduction and achieving a better quality of life."

Robin, 53, professional pianist and piano teacher, Washington:

"My four weeks at Structure House were among the most valuable weeks of my life. I learned to eat in a structured manner and to exercise with some enthusiasm. I lost 23.3 pounds while at Structure House and have continued to lose steadily in the five months since. I have lost more than 80 pounds now, and I know that I will be able to lose the last 20 pounds using the same principles learned at Structure House.

"The Structure House staff is outstanding. Nutrition, exercise and psychological counseling are all done by compassionate professionals who specialize in treating overeaters. At Structure House, I learned to change my relationship with food for life. I learned that I don"t have to overeat, that emotional needs can be met in far more constructive ways. At Structure House I learned what I need to change to make my lifestyle a much healthier one. My life has improved immeasurably by what I learned at Structure House. I have found that as a healthier, more fit person, I have more confidence and a much more enthusiastic outlook on life. Plus, I look good!

"The atmosphere at Structure House is very conductive to making positive changes. A great variety of exercise is offered, and many classes dealing with all aspects of lifestyle change are held each day. Apartments are comfortable, and the grounds of Structure House are very pretty. I thought of it as a "working vacation", and I am so glad I went!"

Teresa, 31, Teacher, Dallas:

"Structure House offered me the opportunity to leave my chaotic world of eating and go to a safe place to build new habits that would last a lifetime. An initial four week stay and two additional visits over a one year period helped me to lose 170 pounds and learn lifelong habits to continue being healthy."

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