Weight Management Program Offered at UK

However, attempts to lose weight without appropriate guidance or support often lead to disappointing results. Worse, some fad diets can do more harm than good, and some may even present serious health risks.

The Weight Management Program at the Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center (BBDOC) at the University of Kentucky is a medically supervised program that teaches how to live more healthfully and with realistic goals and expectations.

The winter/spring session of the Barnstable Brown Weight Management Program will begin on Jan. 15 and runs for 12 weeks. This program is open to members of the public, both with and without diabetes. Participants with diabetes will be monitored to ensure good glucose control.

The program is based on the National Diabetes Prevention Program and the National Weight Control Registry.

"We focus on replacing old unhealthy habits with new, healthy ones," says Sheri Setser-Legg, BBDOC diabetes educator. "We also teach realistic expectations. "We want participants to leave with habits that will last a lifetime. Research shows that individuals who lose weight slowly, at a rate of one to two pounds per week, are more likely to keep that weight off long-term."

Participants can expect interactive classes with topics such as developing healthy meal plans, changing cooking habits, managing stress and emotional eating, portion control, understanding food labels, knowing the difference between "good fats" and "bad fats," making healthy choices in restaurants, and how to get motivated (and stay motivated) to exercise.

Kentucky is among the states with the highest rates of Type 2 diabetes, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Weight management is key to controlling diabetes, as well as many common chronic diseases, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. 

Classes will be held at 5 p.m. every Tuesday in the Medicine Clinic conference room on the second floor of the Kentucky Clinic. To register, call (859) 323-2232.

MEDIA CONTACT: Keith Hautala, (859) 323-2396; keith.hautala@uky.edu