About the Program: Pilot Study
While no country in the developed world has been successful in reversing the alarming trend of rising levels of overweight and obesity, this project fits within the international policy focus on reducing the rate of increase in obesity and on delivery of self-management programs at the community level. The 'Waist' Disposal Challenge (WDC) consists of a health intervention at the community level to bring about a reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI) as a primary outcome.
Aims
- To reduce Body Mass Index (BMI)
- To improve dietary intake, physical activity, general well being and quality of life
BMI Explained
![BMI = Weight (kg) / [Height (m) x Height (m)]](images/bmicalc.jpg)
BMI Categories
- Underweight
- Less than 18.5
- Healthy
- 18.5 - 24.9
- Overweight
- 25.0 - 29.9
- Obese
- 30.0 - 34.9
- Severely obese
- 35.0 or more
Program Levels
The program consisted of 3 levels of intervention.
Level 1: Educational Presentations
- Educational presentations on nutrition, physical activity and other healthy lifestyle habits were delivered during club meetings
Level 2: BMI Competition Between Clubs
- Club Champions volunteered to collect and record participants’ BMIs on a pre‐designed excel sheet
- 'Waist' Disposal trophy awarded to winning club who achieved greatest BMI reduction
Level 3: Telephone Lifestyle Coaching
- This service consisted of a weight loss program tailored to the needs of participants and monitored at four time intervals by health professionals
Pilot Study Results
The challenge was launched in April 2007 as a pilot in 23 Rotary clubs of District 9460 comprising a membership of over 700 Rotarians. The results were very encouraging and Rotarians had a lot of fun losing weight.
Participation
- 750 Rotarians from 23 Rotary Clubs in District 9460 participated
- 88% of Rotarians were overweight or obese
- 69 presentations were delivered by 21 health professionals
- 411 men (BMI >=25) participated in BMI Competition
- 40 Participants enrolled in Lifestyle Coaching
| Metro Clubs (9) | Rural Clubs (14) |
|---|---|
| Applecross | Albany East |
| Attadale | Albany Port |
| Cockburn | Bunbury |
| Fremantle City | Bunbury Central |
| Mandurah | Bunbury Leshenault |
| Mandurah Districts | South Bunbury |
| Melville | Busselton Geog Bay |
| Palm Beach | Collie |
| Rockingham | Esperance |
| Esperance Bay | |
| Harvey | |
| Margaret River | |
| Mount Barker | |
| Katanning |
Educational Presentations
Feedback showed increased awareness and motivation for changing diet and physical activity habits.
BMI Competition Between Clubs
Most clubs had 50% or more of their members lose weight, with three clubs having 70% of their members decrease their BMI within twelve months. A Leader Board was established.
Telephone Lifestyle Coaching
Coaching helped participants to achieve:
- A reduction in BMI
- Increased energy and vitality
- Improved diet with high fibre and less fat
Conclusions
- Positive results and feedback from Champions indicate feasibility of such self‐management initiatives at the community level.
- While no country has been successful in reversing the trend of rising levels of obesity, this program may help to diffuse our middle age ‘fat bomb’.
- The role and influence of Champions, as lay‐leaders, is crucial to how well the challenge is adopted in clubs.
- Programs provided by health services could be re‐oriented to suit the health psychology of middle‐aged to older men by using strategies from this project.
- Contact us today to see how your club can get involved! Contact WDC