Students and individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater, looking for health information and coaching to achieve personal health goals will have a chance to participate in a study through Grand Valley State University. Combatting obesity is a statewide health initiative under the direction of the Michigan Department of Community Health.

At GVSU, a team of faculty and students are contributing to the wellness mission by conducting a study to test a model of a team-based approach for patient-centered care regarding obesity. The researchers include a professional team of licensed social workers, nurse practitioners, and movement science professionals who will also guide students as they learn and practice their respective roles. The team is looking for participants from the campus community to take part in a free weight loss program.

The program consists of four foundational behavior-based educational sessions. The four sessions focus on (1) Overall Wellness, (2) Nutrition, (3) Eating Behaviors, and (4) Physical Activity. These four sessions typically occur over the course of 8 weeks, with a fifth session at week 12. Each session will be led by the healthcare team in a one-on-one session with the participant. After the four foundational sessions have been completed, the fifth session will be used to further explore an area of the participant’s choosing, based on your health interests and goals. These additional sessions will occur at a pace chosen by the individual and their healthcare team. At completion, partakers will also be offered the option of coming in for maintenance visits through the end of the grant, in the summer of 2015. At these visits, the healthcare team will go over weight management strategies and coach students toward their personal goals.

“The four foundational modules address overall wellness, nutrition, eating behaviors and exercise,” said Brenda Pawl, vice provost for health. “Teaching methods include slide presentations, handouts, and personal interaction between team members and participant. Because the program is individualized, each module might be presented a little differently to accommodate the participant’s needs and concerns. To date, the most consistently delivered module is the module addressing overall wellness.”

Though this was a program is being utilized at GVSU, the university is not the only place the study is taking place. Statewide, there are approximately 150 participants in the study.

“Here at the GVSU Family Health Center we have 98 participants,” Pawl said. “The participants came from many different walks of life. Some have been patients at the FHC, many are GVSU students, faculty, staff and family members, while others have come to us from local churches and social agencies. While the average weight loss over the course of 5 visits has been 4.5 pounds for participants, it is hoped that participants will take away the knowledge and tools needed to make good choices about managing their own health and well-being.”

The program is located at the GVSU Family Health Center, 72 Sheldon SE in Grand Rapids. To schedule an appointment or for more information, contact the office of the vice provost for health at (616) 331-5883.