How we’re fighting obesity through our nurse coaching program

Explore insights on our nurse coaching program from Angelina Szuch – DNP FNP-C, our Chief of Clinical Services

With 40% of U.S. adults being obese and another 32% overweight, obesity is one of the biggest public health threats facing our nation. [1] Obesity is an underlying cause or contributing factor to the development of many diseases such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and several other serious health conditions. [2]

The disease also poses a significant threat to the financial well-being of Americans considering adults with obesity, compared to those with normal weight, experienced higher annual medical care costs by $2,505. [3]

Finding ways to significantly mitigate this public health challenge is one that has eluded us as a nation, but a cause that we are committed to fighting at WeCare tlc for the health and well-being of our patients.

One of the most significant ways we support our patients with obesity and related chronic conditions is by working with nurse health coaches. As part of our WeChampion Program, our patients can work with one of our Nurse Coaches for support and guidance in making sustainable changes to improve their well-being and treat ongoing health issues.

As part of our efforts, Krista Braun, Registered Nurse (RN), Nurse Health Coach, and Health Center Manager at the WeCare tlc Health and Wellness Center in Jennings County, IN, led an exceptional 10-week weight loss challenge at our health center this summer.

Before starting the challenge, Krista partnered with a local gym to provide patients with a discounted gym membership with 24 hour access for the 10-week challenge. She also partnered with a free community walking group that offered three weekly walks to participants. 

In order to compete in the challenge, patients had to commit to the following: an initial weight and height check and a final weight and height check at the end of the challenge. They were given one week to weigh in at the beginning and one week to weigh in at the end of the challenge.

During the challenge, Krista sent out healthy recipes, exercise ideas, and additional health and wellness tips to support participants throughout the two and a half months.

At the end of the 10-week period, 21 people completed the challenge and lost 90 pounds collectively. The first, second, and third place winners lost 9.7%, 5.5%, and 5.4% of their total body weight, respectively. 

By leveraging the power of relationships and community, the group was able to achieve a high level of participation and clinically significant weight loss. 

I’m proud of our incredible clinical team members like Krista who go above and beyond to care for their patients and continually work toward our company’s purpose of making people healthier and companies stronger.

Sources:

1: EurekAlert! | Study identifies top strategies for successful weight loss maintenance

2: CDC | Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity

3: National Library of Medicine | Direct medical costs of obesity in the United States and the most populous states