"New Year, New You" Weight Management Program Offered
Across the United States, the incidence of Americans being overweight or obese is increasing at a considerable rate, resulting in higher risks for chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. This trend is not only occurring among adults, but also in younger and younger populations. In fact, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), the number of Iowa adults who are overweight or obese has increased by 36 percent over the last 10 years, making obesity a statewide epidemic. Furthermore, the IDPH states that two-thirds of Iowa’s adults and 30 percent of Iowa’s third graders are considered overweight or obese.
Dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people in the Iowa Great Lakes region, Lakes Regional Healthcare (LRH) is offering a six-week “New Year, New You” weight management program starting January 4. According to LRH Registered Dietitian Beth Samuelson, “There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding what you should or shouldn’t eat, what diets work or don’t work. Our New Year, New You program will be a current, research-based, realistic approach to changing your lifestyle and nutritional choices that will work for the long-term and not deprive you of foods you like to eat.”
Specifically, the program will cover:
• Healthy meal planning, nutritional and physical activity requirements, weigh-in and measurements
• Supplement usage: weight loss pills, herbs, vitamins, minerals, replacement meal drinks
• Physical activity options that work for you
• Body image, emotional eating, and healthy alternatives for comfort foods
• Food sampling of healthy meals and snacks
The program will be held in a group format, and each session will also include time for participants to support each other in their efforts toward a healthier lifestyle. Samuelson said, “It’s usually easier to make positive changes when you have others supporting your decision and helping you in those efforts. We hope this program will not only provide a lot of education and real-life tools for weight management, but also help people make bonds with others to ensure their good habits continue.”
The six-week program will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 until 7:30 pm January 4 through February 8 in LRH’s Education Center. The entire program cost is $99. Those interested in registering or in more information are encouraged to call LRH Registered Dietitian Beth Samuelson at 712-336-8785.
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