Questions from In-Text Case Studies, CNA:EA 4e
Chapter 8: Addressing the Obesity Epidemic: An Issue for Public Health Policy
Title: Worksite Health Promotion Program for Prevention of Overweight
Questions:
Foundation: Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills
1. Find the healthy weight goals for adults from the objectives of Healthy People 2010 in this chapter.
2. List seven benchmarks of success for worksite health promotion from the Wellness Council of America (Welcoa) at .
3. Review previous worksite health promotion programs for weight loss and obesity prevention.
4. Access the ADA position paper on The Role of Dietetics Professionals in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at .
5. Behaviorally based programs have been found to be the most effective, so review basic behavioral theories (see Theory at a Glance at .) These theories are also discussed in Chapter 15.
Step 1: Identify Relevant Information and Uncertainties
1. Identify relevant determinants of overweight and/or obesity in this population. Be sure that the determinants you target can be changed through a worksite health promotion program.
2. Determine appropriate weight-loss goals for this type of population and this type of program.
3. List different strategies for a worksite health promotion program that can be implemented at this particular site.
4. Determine key stakeholders for implementation of the program and new company policies. (In other words, whom do you need to persuade to implement the program?)
Step 2: Interpret Information
1. Determine which behavioral theory or theories could be used in a worksite setting with the strategies you proposed.
2. Formulate a plan to bring together key stakeholders for implementation of the program and convince them that they should implement the program.
3. List specific aims for behavioral objectives (diet and physical activity behaviors) that will lead to prevention of weight gain or to weight loss in this population.
4. Outline several strategies for the proposed worksite health promotion program. Be sure to include strategies for both nutrition and physical activity.
Step 3: Draw and Implement Conclusions
1. Develop a proposal for the company president that includes an account of any previous work that has been done in this area, specific goals or objectives for the program, a list of company employees who will help you implement the program, an outline of the program that includes specific strategies to be implemented, and a timetable for the program.
Step 4: Engage in Continuous Improvement
1. Create an evaluation plan to determine whether you have made a significant difference in the overweight/obesity problem. Remember to measure your primary outcome (such as body weight or BMI) as well as behavioral outcomes such as diet and physical activity.
2. What barriers do you anticipate during the implementation of this health promotion program? How do you intend to address these barriers?
3. What can you do to be sure that the program is institutionalized—that is, continues to be implemented—in the company after the initial year?