DURHAM, N.C. -- Dieters who have tried everything to lose weight have discovered a program that they claim can dramatically change lives.

Durham, N.C. has been dubbed the unofficial diet capitol of the world.

Dieters are flocking to the Duke Diet and Fitness Center seeking better health.

Kathy Allen said she's made three trips to the center. It's cost her almost $20,000 and she's lost 51 pounds, and Allen said it's been worth it.

"I just knew that I had to change my lifestyle. I had high blood pressure, I had stress related illnesses I had a bleeding ulcer and I was not able to work I had severe depression," Allen said.

One of the main ideas that doctors said they try to get across at the Duke Diet Center is that even if people don't reach their ideal weight, losing some weight can make a big difference in their health.

A recent diabetes study showed promising results.

"With moderate lifestyle changes these folks lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight, they were exercising 30 minutes a day and they reduced their risk of progression to diabetes by nearly 60 percent," the center's Dr. Howard Eisenson said.

Doctors said a residential diet program may not be financially possible for many people, but they can make still make positive changes by saying no to second helpings and incorporating exercise into their daily lives.

Click here to learn more about the Duke Center For Living.