Published: June 14, 2009 11:46 pm      

Weight — The Reality Series

Nutrition information and social change are focus of Extension Serivce program

GREENUP — Weight issues might become more real in Greenup County as a free program developed by the UK Cooperative Extension Service progresses.

Weight — The Reality Series is a 10-week program of “self-discovery, skill-building and support to help people learn about weight control” administered by the Greenup County Extension service partnering with the Greenup County Health Department. The program offers nutrition information and takes into account the need for social changes

Those participating in the series meet at the Greenup Christian Church each Monday at 5 p.m. for about an hour and a half to learn how the body works with food. The program began June 1, but anyone can still attend the remaining sessions, said Rita Spence, Greenup County Extension agency for health and consumer sciences.

“It’s much better if you can attend the entire 10 weeks,” she said. “You can expect more results. But we know this is vacation time and it’s hard to attend every one.”

Spencer said the first two session drew about 10 attendees.

More than 1,700 Kentuckians have participated in the program; one in three lost at least 15 percent of their initial weight during the 10-week program. Also, the average weight loss for all participants was three percent of their initial weight.

Each session includes the presentation of a topic, some physical activity, a recipe demonstration or group food event to illustrate good practices and some social time for participants.

Spence said participants have enjoyed fruit smoothies and tuna Caesar salads; the next session they will serve tacos made with low-fat ingredients.

“We don’t serve an evening meal — just a sample of food that is low fat and low sodium,” she said. “Everything we are demonstrating or letting them eat is a healthy choice.”

Physical activities have included stretching and walking; this coming session will offer yoga.

Spence said a variety of individuals are attending the sessions, from those at a healthy weight to those who are obese.

She said she expects the program to be offered again in the fall.

Statistics show that reduction of body weight by as little as five percent has health benefits.

For more information about the program, call the extension office at (606) 473-9881 or the Greenup Health Department at (606) 473-9838.

LEE WARD can be reached at lward@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2661.