title: Evaluation of a university-based community outreach weight management program.
abstract: This study tested the effectiveness of a 6-month university-based community outreach weight management program for overweight/obese adults that utilized standard guidelines from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This article also provides practical observations for clinicians desirous to employ a similar program. Fifty-one overweight/obese (34.8 ± 6.6 kg/m(2)) middle-aged (46.6 ± 12.4 y) adults (42 females; 9 males) participated. Participants met weekly for 3 months to be weighed, to report weekly diet and physical activity (PA) data, and to receive instruction for weight management. Participants followed a self-selected dietary plan that included decreasing energy intake by ∼500-1000 kcal/d and consuming a combined 5 fruits and/or vegetables (FV) daily. Participants progressed to a minimum of 150 min of PA per week, wore a pedometer, and recorded daily step counts. Additionally, there was a 3-month follow-up during which participants met monthly but continued tracking FV, PA, and pedometer counts. Body weight decreased significantly (∼0.4-2.1 lbs per week; P < 0.01) during the first 3 months. Weight loss was maintained during the 3-month follow-up. Self-reported energy intake tended to increase during the first 3 months (P < 0.01). PA increased significantly (P < 0.05) beyond recommended minimums and pedometer counts increased significantly (P < 0.01). FV intake averaged below 5 per day and did not change across the study (P = 0.75). Standard treatment guidelines produce modest but consistent weight loss and improvements in PA. The NHLBI recommended approach to weight management is effective for a majority of participants and can be incorporated into a clinical program with relative ease.
authors.affiliation: Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84606, USA. lecheminant@byu.edu
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: LeCheminant
authors.forename: N Kay
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Covington
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Curt L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Lox
authors.forename: Erik P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Kirk
authors.forename: Tim D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Heden
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000628:therapy*; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D014495:Universities; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods*