Healthy Living / Weight Stigma Research

Description of the Current Weight Loss Program

When Will the Next Weight Loss Program Begin

Typical Eligibility Requirements for the Weight Loss Program

Contact Us if You are Interested

Online Calorie References / Health-Related Links of Interest 

Description of the Current Weight Loss Program

Each year we conduct a weight loss intervention. Because we use the data for research purposes, the intervention is available to the public at no charge. The program will begin in January 2013. The program emphasizes gradual weight loss, increased physical activity, and reduced calories and fat intake through permanent lifestyle changes.

This year we are comparing the effectiveness of two weight loss programs. You will be provided with a weight loss manual, an accelerometer, and instructions on how to record your energy intake and expenditure.  The weekly, 90-minute classes will meet in small groups.  The intervention will last approximately 16 weeks. 

When Will the Next Weight Loss Program Begin?

Start Date: January, 2013
Location: Bowling Green State University, Psychology Building  

Typical Eligibility Requirements for the Weight Loss Program

  1.  Participants with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or greater. To calculate your BMI click here.

  2.  Undergraduate students at BGSU are typically NOT eligible.

  3.  Smokers are typically NOT eligible.

  4.  Participants MUST be available to attend 1.5 hour classes on one evening per week.

  5.  Persons with any of the following medical conditions are typically NOT eligible to participate:

       —current or past cardiovascular disease (e.g., MI, PTCA, CABG, stroke, angina, heart surgery, pacemaker, cardiac defibrillator, rhythm disturbance, heart valve disease, heart failure, heart transplant, congenital heart disease),

       —musculoskeletal problems that would prevent you from participating in moderate levels of physical activity( e.g., osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, joint problems, back problems),

       —a history of insulin dependent diabetes,

       —adult onset Type II diabetes that is not controlled, 

       —blood pressure of 160/100 mm Hg or higher, or

       —a life limiting or complicated illness (e.g., cancer, renal dysfunction, hepatic dysfunction, or dementia).

  6.  Participants must receive doctor's approval (a form is provided).

Contact Information

If you are interested in participating you can email us at wgtloss@bgsu.edu or call us at (419) 372-9296.

Online Calorie References - Health-Related Links of Interest

Online Calorie References
Calorie King
Nutrition Data
USDA Supertracker

National Institutes of Health
The National Institute of Health;a great resource on health, including weight, nutrition, and physical activity.

American Heart Association
The American Heart Association has a Healthy Lifestyle page. A great resource on health, including weight, nutrition, and physical activity

National Weight Control Registry
The National Weight Control Registry is the largest prospective investigation of long-term successful weight loss maintenance. The NWCR is tracking over 5,000 individuals who have lost significant amounts of weight and kept it off for long periods of time.