With Kentucky’s adult population being 62.5% overweight and being named the least active state in the nation, this was health behaviors that the Menifee County Extension Council seen that needed to be addressed in the community. The Menifee County Extension Service along with other partners viewed the “Weight the Reality Series” as a good program to use.
The Weight Reality Series was offered in the Fall 05 at the Menifee county Extension office and was taught by the FCS agent and the Gateway Health Department Dietitian. There were 12 that registered for the weight class, with 8 people completing the 10 week course. During that time participants learned how to prepare nutritious recipes, portion control, body strength, and how important it is to have a support system. However, this time the FCS agent incorporated a 20 minute physical activity at each session. Participants were asked to be weighed in at each session and to have measurements taken of their bust, waist, hips, and thighs.
At the end of the session it was recorded that members lost between 1-2 inches in each area, 30% of them lost 8 pounds or more, while the remaining lost 5pounds or less. 100% reported that they had incorporated at least 15 minutes of physical activity 3-5 days a week. 70% reported that they had prepared at least one of the recipes at home for their families.