YMCA And Healthcare System Collaboration On Lifestyle Change Program: A Pilot Study

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of a lifestyle change program on the health of employees of a healthcare system. A secondary purpose is to determine the feasibility of providing this program to the general public. METHODS: Emails were sent to all employees of the healthcare system describing the project with links to click on to register. Participants came to an initial screening of body composition, height, weight, resting blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, LDL-C, and HgbA1c. After receiving their assessment results, participants met with a physician for a 30-minute consultation. All participants received a free YMCA membership for the duration of the program (10 weeks). All participants met with a trainer once per week in a small group, and with a lifestyle coach once per week in the same small group. The lifestyle change program covered setting personal goals to achieve overall health, healthy eating, and increasing physical activity. Participants also received periodic group physician consults. RESULTS: Fifteen individuals began the program. One participant did not have full data, therefore, their data was not utilized. Body fat decreased an average of 1.4% (not statistically significant), while fat mass decreased an average of 4.4 lbs., p = 0.056. Body weight decreased an average of 4.3 lbs., p = 0.0009. Total cholesterol decreased an average of 20.9 points, p = .015. HgbA1c decreased an average of 0.4%, p = 0.0003. Many blood samples were not fasting, therefore, glucose, triglycerides, and LDL were not considered accurate. CONCLUSIONS: An intensive, supportive lifestyle change program can produce improvements in individual’s overall health. Healthcare providers and community groups can work together to provide guidance and support for individuals to improve their overall health.