Weight-Wise Leader’s Guides

A Prevention Research Center Tool Showing Evidence of Effectiveness

OVERVIEW

Weight-Wise is a 16-week weight loss program for low-income, midlife women in the South. This pilot program focused on changing lifestyle behaviors to promote weight loss among women with a BMI of 25–45. Participants learn to set achievable goals, increase confidence, solve problems, and build group social support. A session leader guides the group meetings by using a series of questions. Rather than give information or advice, these questions help participants decide on and plan for lifestyle changes they wish to make. Weight-Wise encourages the following:

• Eating more fruits and vegetables.
• Eating less saturated fat, medium calorie restrictions (for 1–2 pounds per week of weight loss).
• 150 minutes per week of physical activity.

The curriculum includes an introduction to Weight-Wise, leader guides for each of the 16 weekly sessions, participant handouts, supply checklists, and resource materials.

RESEARCH RESULTS

Five months after this pilot program, an analysis found Weight-Wise was effective for short-term weight loss. The study showed that 64% of the Weight-Wise participants lost at least 3% of their initial body weight, and their blood pressure decreased. More than half of those receiving the program lost 8 or more pounds.¹ The findings suggest that Weight-Wise may be considered a cost-effective program with a cost per participant of $242.²

TOOL LOCATION

Access the tool at UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

Download the printable Weight-Wise Leader’s Guides [PDF 652 KB].