Evaluation of the Navy's Obesity Treatment Program
Abstract
This study provided an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Navy's three-tiered obesity treatment program: Level I (command-directed remedial conditioning program), Level II (weight-management counseling), and Level III (inpatient obesity treatment). Height, weight, and body circumference measurements were obtained from 624 program participants at the beginning of the program, then at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after the start of the program. There was a significant reduction in percent body fat after 1 year in all three program tiers. Results demonstrated a sustained downward trend through the 6-month data point, then a plateau between 6 and 12 months. The number of participants meeting the Navy's body fat criteria improved from 1% to 27%, and the number of participants classified as obese dropped from 63% to 43%. However, absolute losses (mean percent body fat) were small: -3.6% fat for men, -4.5% fat for women after 1 year. Approximately 4.6% of the sample were discharged from the Navy for obesity. Level III, which employs diverse treatment techniques, was the most effective program in helping participants to reduce body fat. Level I, which is primarily an exercise program, was the least effective. An aggressive and supportive aftercare program is recommended to enhance weight loss among program graduates. Obesity treatment, Weight management, Program evaluation, Navy personnel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA276081
Entities
People
- Linda K. Trent
- Linda T. Stevens
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center