Professional News

Naturally Slim Program Shown to Improve Overall Health

Photo from Getty Images.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 5, 2020) — Most medical experts agree that losing as little as 3% of body weight produces clinically meaningful health benefits, and greater loss leads to even greater benefits.

UK Human Resources helps University of Kentucky employees learn simple skills to enable them to lose weight and take advantage of these benefits through Naturally Slim, a science-based behavioral counseling program for nutrition. The program, based on user feedback and analysis of its participants, includes features such as:

  • an optimized curriculum with instructors and focus on skills;
  • short lessons for a small weekly time commitment;
  • skill reinforcement lessons personalized to participants’ needs; and
  • customized skill maintenance sessions allowing participants to choose their own paths.

The goal of the program is to teach participants simple skills to help them lose weight, improve their health and boost their overall quality of life, with the ultimate goal of reducing obesity-related diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and metabolic syndrome.

Since its beginning, more than 1,100 employees have participated in the program, losing a total of 5,904 pounds. And while the weight lost is impressive, it is more important to note the changes in their long-term health and feelings about their weight.

  • 87% of individuals felt more in control of their weight.
  • 60% reported an increase in their energy level.
  • 65% felt more confident.
  • 64% reported being more physically active.

Richard Amos, chief benefits officer, says “HR is very pleased to provide Naturally Slim to our employees on a UK health insurance plan. This program has great results. The number of people impacted, the pounds lost, health conditions improved — all have an effect on one’s outlook and emotional health. It focuses on how you eat, not what you eat. A program like this helps move us in a positive direction, and it is available to you each summer, fall and spring.” 

The program combines a personal dashboard with weekly to-do lists. You will receive communications through email, text and mobile app notifications to ensure your experience is truly personal.

You can find out more about Naturally Slim hereregister by June 14 and take control of your health.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.