Why Our Program Works

For the first time in Dane County, Harbor Weight Loss Institute has tied in what we know to be the three essential elements of permanent sustained healthy weight management, which are Lifestyle Coaching, Diet/Nutritional Counseling, and Personal Training. Owner Paul Ernst has envisioned a safe, non-threatening, relaxed, beautiful atmosphere to accommodate overweight individuals under one roof.

With this innovative approach, clients address not only changes in their eating habits and activity levels, but more importantly clients answer the question of why am I eating? Many times people use food to mask negative feelings such as anger, shame, resentment, or fear. In the Harbor Weight Loss Institute program clients are coached to recognize what they were thinking when they reached for food but were not physically hungry. As awareness of this process becomes more apparent, other methods of dealing with these negative feelings are discussed and put into place as alternatives to using food.

Each client is assigned three coaches to work with them and design their individualized plans. In addition, the coaches meet regularly to discuss client progress and coordinate future action plans.

Clients and coaches interact in order to create the individualized approach that works best for each participant. Unlike other programs where clients are simply handed a one size fits all diet, Harbor Weight Loss Institute creates a program based on client input concerning likes and dislikes, dining out, snacking, and other social occasions that require making food choices on a day to day basis. Considerations are also given to physical limitations and time constraints with exercise and physical activity.

Our program works because of its comprehensiveness, accountability, convenience, education, and ongoing support all under one roof.