Objective
The 2nd annual Maintain Don’t Gain program was implemented in Fall 2012 at the University of Connecticut (UConn). The program goal was to maintain weight status during the holiday season.
Target audience
Worksite employees.
Theory, Prior Research, Rationale
Utilizing Social Learning Theory, health promotion initiatives offered at the worksite can provide employees valuable education, resources, and can motivate improved lifestyle habits and weight loss.
Description
The program utilized collaborative efforts from multiple departments on campus. Recruitment took place via fliers, health fairs, and Human Resources. Eighteen participants were recruited; 10 consented to participate. Eight (7 female and 1 male) completed the program. Weekly weights were recorded by staff, and pedometer steps were self-recorded by participants. UConn dietetics students in the Coordinated Undergraduate Program presented nutrition lessons including healthy snacks and recipes, to reinforce each topic of the day. The dietetics interns served as wellness coaches. Participants were encouraged to communicate with their coach as desired during the program. Interactions were documented.
Evaluation
By assessing repeated attendance at 11 education sessions, participants’ use of distributed pedometers, and application of individualized coaching.
Conclusions and Implications
Email communication was the preferred method of coach-participant interaction. Six of the participants were successful at losing weight, while 2 gained weight. Those who attended the greatest number of wellness sessions realized weight loss. Despite inconsistencies in self-recording daily steps, there did appear to be a tendency for the activity and weight loss. In conclusion, observed trends demonstrate that pedometer tracking and participant commitment to class attendance—which include weekly reinforcement of motivating messages—influence weight loss success.
Funding
None.
Article info
Publication history
P32
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.
