Comprehensive Weight Management Program for Army ROTC Cadets

Abstract

A comprehensive weight management program following evidence‐based guidelines was implemented to improve weight related measures in a class of Army ROTC cadets. The program was requested by ROTC officers because 13% of the class exceeded Army standards for BMI and percent body fat, which would prohibit acceptance into the Army's Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). All protocols were compliant with Institutional Review Board guidelines. 23 subjects were randomly assigned to a control (n=12) or treatment (n=13) group. Controls were given access to web‐based nutrition education. Treatment subjects were provided with 20 weekly individualized counseling sessions to improve dietary practices and increase physical activity (PA). All were assessed for height, weight, body fat (BODPOD®) and BMI at baseline, mid‐point and end. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed a between group difference in fruit intake, with the treatment group consuming more servings/day (P<.05). Within group differences were found for % calories from fat (P<.02), % body fat (P<.05), PA (P<.007) and Army Physical Fitness Test scores (P<.001). At conclusion, all cadets met Army BMI and body fat standards. This weight management program was effective in improving cadets’ dietary intake and all subjects met the BMI and % body fat requirements for entry into LDAC. This research was funded by a grant from Texas State University.