Spotlight On: The Solution Method

What is The Solution Method™?

Cynthia Moore, MS, RD, CDE at the UVA Nutrition Counseling Center is a certified Solution Method provider. This month she answers our questions about the Solution Method to weight-loss. 

The Solution Method is a simple system that retrains a person’s brain so they feel naturally happier and more resilient. In such a state of well-being, a person’s drive to overeat and be inactive fades. Tools learned through the method can be used throughout the day. Each use weakens neural circuits that promote stress, while strengthening neural circuits that create joy.

The Solution Method for adults was developed at the University of California, San Francisco.

How is it different from other weight-loss strategies?

Most methods focus on weight loss; The Solution Method addresses chronic stress and resulting cravings and drives to overeat and be inactive. Weight loss without changing underlying neural circuitry, stress-producing lifestyles and health problems often leads to symptom substitution and/or weight regain. Solution Method participants acquire tools to create a secure connection to self, others and life, and to be free — within the limits of genetics and circumstance — of excesses such as smoking, drinking and overworking.

How much time and money will I need to invest?

The first step is learning basic tools. Orientations are free and offered monthly in Charlottesville at UVA’s Nutrition Counseling Center at Northridge. 

Wired for Joy, a 4-week intro course, is the first step; a workbook and three months of web-based support are included.

Next, participants develop healthy lifestyle plans, access needed medical care, and receive training either through individual sessions or an 8-week Solution for Weight group.

In advanced training, participants complete six courses. Group or individual training is facilitated by Certified Solution Providers (health professionals trained in the method.)

Solution Training fees average $160 per month, plus materials, comparing favorably to costs for other weight-loss programs.

What benefits can I expect?

Most people experience more joy, less stress and improved mood after four weeks. Many lose weight and improve exercise within the first 12 weeks. Often participants stay with the training beyond initial benefits because of remarkable results in other areas of their lives.

Initial weight loss is similar to that in other programs, but more lasting. Other improvements in mood, relationships, lifestyle, and health are noted. The emphasis is on losing weight by attaining a state of well-being in which the reward circuitry in the brain is regulated for satisfaction. Many stop needing the comfort of overeating and a sedentary lifestyle. Completing the full training is recommended for lasting results.

What does research find about the Solution Method?

Several studies have been published; notable results include lasting weight loss and immediate and lasting improvements in mood and mental health. One long-term review of a Solution group showed continued weight loss through 1.5 to 2 years of group participation (Mellin, L.; M. Croughan-Minihane; and L. Dickey, 1997).

A six-year follow up with the same group showed 13 pounds of weight loss in the first 12 weeks with a 23-pound average sustained weight loss at six years for those who completed Solution training.

Depression scores dropped 60 percent at 12 weeks, and were down 80 percent at six years. Research also suggests reductions in use of other substances and behaviors, including cigarettes, alcohol and spending (Mellin, L. and D. Krupp, 2006).

Learn more about research findings at www.solutionmethod.org (click on “research”.)

To register for a Solution Method orientation, contact Cynthia

Moore at 434-243-7313; clp6g@virginia.edu