Resources For Living (RFL) today announces the results of an obesity disease management pilot program that empirically validates their consumer-directed, outcomes-informed coaching model—a novel approach to the weight loss industry, which has traditionally been programmatic and specialized.
Using RFL’s integrated and customized coaching model, 94 percent of program participants demonstrated improved results in one or more of the following areas: weight loss, emotional well being, productivity (in life and at work), and a reduction in medications taken due to complications from obesity. 94 Percent of Participants Experience Improvement in Multiple Outcomes.
New Orleans, LA (PRWEB) June 28, 2004 -– Resources For Living (RFL) today announces the results of an obesity disease management pilot program that empirically validates their consumer-directed, outcomes-informed coaching model—a novel approach to the weight loss industry, which has traditionally been programmatic and specialized.
Using RFL’s integrated and customized coaching model, 94 percent of program participants demonstrated improved results in one or more of the following areas: weight loss, emotional well being, productivity (in life and at work), and a reduction in medications taken due to complications from obesity.
The American Obesity Association estimates that more than a third of American adults are obese. Clinically, obesity is determined by an individual’s body mass index (BMI), which measures body fat based on height and weight. As BMI increases above 30, so does an individual’s co-morbidity risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. In fact, obesity is the leading cause of metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes, with the latter currently at epidemic proportions in the United States.
Each year, employers turn to a variety of programs to support employees in addressing weight issues, including worksite wellness programs. The challenge can be especially difficult for individuals with BMI greater than 30. Oftentimes, there are behavioral as well as psycho/social issues impeding the client’s ability to achieve and sustain a healthy weight that are typically not addressed in traditional weight loss programs.
“When I was in private practice one of the most difficult issues I faced was the issue of weight loss,” states Dr. Tom Morrow, VP Medical Director, Matria Healthcare. “This is one of the most complex issues because it has health challenges that are physical, behavioral, and psycho/social. An integrated approach to the treatment of obesity is required for optimum success. RFL is the first organization that I am aware of to create an integrated approach to help people overcome the challenges associated with obesity.”
Pilot Program Results
RFL’s integrated approach addresses an individual’s measurable improvement on three levels—behavioral, psycho/social, and physical.
Behavioral health goals identify and address the emotional and social factors that affect a person’s ability to sustain a strong sense of emotional well being. The goal of the psycho/social support is to assist individuals in recognizing and modifying the behavioral patterns that are preventing them from being fully productive in life and at work. Physical health goals address the nutritional and activity plan that individuals utilize to improve their overall health.
The obesity pilot began in July 2003 and has 28 participants. The following results are the outcomes for all participants.
Physical health-related results from the program demonstrate the following:
• 3.5 percent average decrease in BMI among all participants
• 5.2 percent average weight loss at the completion of four months in the program
• 19 percent reduction in the number of prescribed medications among participants
Reported improvements in productivity (psycho/social health) include the following:
• 18.3 percent decrease in activity impairment (ability to do regular tasks outside of work)
• 7.1 percent decrease in presenteeism (ability to be at work, but not be productive)
• 0.7 percent decrease in absenteeism (missing work)
Behavioral health is measured utilizing RFL’s proprietary SIGNALSM system, which measures an individual’s improvement in emotional well being. Program results show that 90.1 percent of participants are making a positive change in emotional well being.
Program Components
RFL’s obesity disease management program is voluntary and can be integrated with an employer’s wellness promotion or disease management initiatives. The goal of the program is to empower individuals to accept greater responsibility for their health and to modify their behaviors to achieve their health goals. The program includes education, coaching, counseling, and dietary support. The program is delivered utilizing telephone, online, and Web-based capabilities.
Following identification and voluntary enrollment, clients participate in a telephonic consultation with a behavioral health counselor in which a comprehensive lifestyle assessment is completed. This initial assessment screens clients for eating disorders as well as readiness for change, locus of control, and emotional well being. A registered dietician also completes an assessment. Barriers for participating in a weight management program are identified at this stage, which may require consultation with the client’s medical professional.
The results of the assessment are utilized to create a customized intervention plan that addresses that individual’s risk indicators, co-morbidities, psycho/social factors, and barriers to success. The intervention plan is revised and customized further as the client is either more or less successful in achieving his or her weight goals.
The program provides a number of tools and resources to support the client’s success in the program. These tools and resources include:
• Individualized Web page
• Targeted online educational material and articles written from the perspective of readiness for change, health beliefs, and locus of control
• Online wellness tracking tools, including food and exercise journals and an ongoing readiness for change assessment
• Web-based health calculators, including BMI, calorie burner, target heart rate, ideal body weight, nutritional needs, and waist-to-hip ratio
• Online personal journal
About Resources For Living
Resources For Living (RFL) is dedicated to helping individuals measurably transform their lives and, as a result, transform the environments in which they work and live. Services include integrated employee assistance and work/life program (EAP); depression disease management; obesity disease management; client advocacy services; performance based leadership coaching; and health & wellness behavioral modification programs. Founded in 1988, RFL has remained dedicated to assisting their clients in achieving their goals and dreams. The company can be found on the Web at www.rfl.com