Disadvantaged, Non-College Bound Young Adults at Risk for Excessive Weight Gain
Nutritionists develop weight management program relevant to low-income population,
according to a new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Philadelphia, PA, January 21, 2014
Young adults are at particularly high risk for excessive
weight gain. Although weight gain
intervention for young adults attending two- or four-year colleges has been
studied extensively, there has been little research into effective weight
management programs targeting low-income, non-college bound young adults. A
team of registered dietitian nutritionists from the University of Maine, in
collaboration with scientists from multiple institutions from around the US,
have now developed a weight management intervention program that is
particularly relevant for disadvantaged young adults. Their results are
published in the Journal of Nutrition
Education and Behavior.
Low-income young adults have immediate needs related to
housing, employment, and financial security. "Since disadvantaged young adults
may have to satisfy basic needs, they are not likely to focus on the future,
which limits the effect of any attempts to create motivation for behavior
change by emphasizing long-term health benefits," according to lead researcher
Jennifer R. Walsh, PhD, RD, of the University of Florida.
Researchers used a lengthy planning model to be sure of
success for their weight-management intervention program for low-income young
adults at a vocational training center in Maine. By using a community-based
participatory research approach, they hoped to develop a program that focused
specifically on the needs of this underserved population. Quality of life and
health-related topics were important, as were issues related to weight.
A steering committee of researchers and community members
was assembled to guide the process. They also conducted focus groups and
interviews to be sure everyone's voice was heard. The PRECEDE model
(Predisposing, Reinforcing, Enabling, Constructs in Education/Ecological
Diagnosis and Evaluation) was useful to identify or "diagnose" the concerns of
these young adults. They also
prioritized factors that the young adults were willing and able to change.
These results were used to develop a weight management intervention truly made
for low-income young adults, taking into account their specific needs and the
resources available. This program is the first of its kind developed using this
model.
# # #
Notes
for editors
"Using
PRECEDE to Develop a Weight Management Program for Disadvantaged Young Adults,"
by Jennifer R. Walsh, PhD, RD; Adrienne A. White, PhD, RD; Kendra K.
Kattelmann, PhD, RD, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2013.11.005, Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior,
published by Elsevier.
Full text of the article is
available to credentialed journalists upon request; contact Eileen Leahy at +1 732
238 3628 or jnebmedia@elsevier.com
to obtain copies. To schedule an interview with the authors, please contact
Margaret Nagle at +1 207 581 3745 or nagle@maine.edu.
An audio podcast featuring an
interview with Jennifer R. Walsh and information specifically for journalists
are located at www.jneb.org/content/podcast.
Excerpts from the podcast may be reproduced by the media; contact Eileen Leahy
to obtain permission.
About
the Journal of Nutrition and Behavior (www.jneb.org)
The Journal of
Nutrition Education and Behavior (JNEB), the official journal of the
Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB), is a refereed, scientific
periodical that serves as a resource for all professionals with an interest in
nutrition education and dietary/physical activity behaviors. The purpose of JNEB
is to document and disseminate original research, emerging issues, and
practices relevant to nutrition education and behavior worldwide and to promote
healthy, sustainable food choices. It supports the society's efforts to
disseminate innovative nutrition education strategies, and communicate
information on food, nutrition, and health issues to students, professionals,
policy makers, targeted audiences, and the public.
The Journal of
Nutrition Education and Behavior features articles that provide new
insights and useful findings related to nutrition education research, practice,
and policy. The content areas of JNEB reflect the diverse interests of
health, nutrition, education, Cooperative Extension, and other professionals
working in areas related to nutrition education and behavior. As the Society's
official journal, JNEB also includes occasional policy statements, issue
perspectives, and member communications.
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