Weight, the Reality Series

Cathy Sparks, FCS

             Obesity has become a large problem in Magoffin County, contributing to many health issues for our residents.   According to the Kentucky Extension Community Assessment for Magoffin County in 2019, thirty-nine percent of the population is considered obese.  There are other factors that were found in this report that also contribute to the obesity rate.  Magoffin County has the highest unemployment rate in the state of Kentucky, and there are 41.3% of the households who are at or below the poverty level.  Additionally, the Community Assessment Report of 2019 shows that 20.7% of the adults in the county have diabetes, 25.1% of those surveyed are in poor health, and 48.6% suffer from hypertension.  

              Beginning January 19, 2020, a Weight, the Reality Series program was started and publicity shared county-wide, inviting participants to be a part of the program.  Initially, there were 45 participants who joined the group to be a part of the program.  The meetings were conducted once a week for 10 weeks, with weigh-ins beginning at 5:00 PM, and the educational classes beginning at 6:00 PM.  The Senior SNAP Assistant was also been involved and prepared a SNAP approved snack for each session, and shared the recipe with the participants.  

              As incentives, two air fryers were purchased, and were awarded at the end of the program.  One was awarded to the participant who has lost the largest amount of weight.  At each meeting attended, participants’ names were  placed in a drawing, and from that pool of attendees, a winner’s name was drawn out for the other air fryer.  Attendance  waned somewhat from the beginning, however there were many determined participants who still came and as a result showed significant weight loss. 

               At the end of three months, a survey was sent out to check in with the participants that finished our Weight, the Reality Series class.  Of the thirty surveys that were mailed, twelve replies were returned with input.  All of those that were received were positive concerning the success of the class and the learning that took place.  Two of the respondents were frustrated because of some minor weight gain that had happened as a result of being in the house so much during the Covid-19 quarantine.  Although they had gained some pounds, they were still complimentary of the class and were requesting that it be taught again as soon as possible.  Two of the ladies who completed the survey reported that they have continued the weight loss plan and have continued to slowly, and gradually lose weight.  One had lost an additional five pounds, and one an additional few pounds, not giving an exact number.  

               Without a doubt, we will continue offering the Weight, the Reality Series class, since it was so successful and so requested.  Those who participated have all reported that they gained valuable knowledge about eating healthy, learning about themselves and their weight-loss patterns, and how to shop and prepare food in a healthier manner.