The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded the program its Certificate of Full Recognition for offering a quality, evidence-based program that meets all standards for CDC recognition.
“The sustained success of your lifestyle change program makes an invaluable contribution to the prevention of type 2 diabetes,” said Ann Albright, PhD, RDN, Director of the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. “It is programs like yours that are turning the tide in the fight against the epidemic of type 2 diabetes.”
Weigh 2 Change is a yearlong lifestyle intervention program that helps people – especially those with prediabetes – make lasting lifestyle changes to improve health and prevent type 2 diabetes. Its key components are nutritional and exercise counseling, group support, and the use of trained lifestyle coaches.
Program Coordinator Michelle Fundingsland, RDN, LRD, says CDC recognition gives participants the assurance that they’re receiving education and support that are effective and science-based. “This has been a team effort over many months,” she said. “We’re extremely proud to have our program recognized by the CDC. We owe this not only to our team, but to our program participants who have worked so hard to achieve success.”
About 86 million people in the U.S. have prediabetes – defined by the CDC as a person with a blood sugar level higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Research shows that people can lower their risk for type 2 diabetes 58% by losing 7% of their body weight and exercising moderately 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Dates have been set for the next Weigh 2 Change “Session Zero” meetings, which are informational sessions where potential participants learn about the program to decide whether it’s right for them. Session Zero meetings will be held August 1, 8 and 15 at noon in the Trinity Health Community Conference Room at Town & Country Center.