The 2018 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps for Kentucky had Owsley County ranked 118 out of 120 counties for health outcomes. For health behaviors including physical inactivity and obesity, Owsley County ranked 111 out of 120 counties. With these statistics in mind, the Owsley County Family & Consumer Sciences Advisory Council continues to see the need for health & nutrition education as a high priority for our community members. 

The Owsley County Cooperative Extension Service provided a total of 31-weeks of weight loss classes in 2017-2018 utilizing Weight the Reality Series curriculum. The curriculum teaches behavior change including portion control, healthy choices, reading food labels, adapting recipes and making physical activity part of your daily routine. 

A total of 52 participants participated in one of the series. At the conclusion of the programs: 

*A combined total of 241 pounds of body weight was lost by participants. 
* Fifty-two participants experienced an increase in skills regarding diet and exercise to improve personal health.

*Forty-three participants demonstrated informed and effective decision making.

*Thirty-eight participants reported eating more healthy foods.

*Fifty-two participants reported improvement of physical acitivty.

*Thirty-one reported utilizing the farmers market to purchase healthy foods. 

Participant comments at the conclusion of the program include: “I have so much more energy than before”, “I feel I have the tools to continue reaching my goals after the program is over”, and “This program has taught me so much about portion sizes and the importance of them.”