Healthy Choices for Every Body: A Quality Improvement Project
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Hinzmann, Elizabeth
Issue Date
2025-12-12
Volume
Issue
Type
Manuscript
Language
Keywords
Obesity , Weight Loss Program , Obesity Management , Obesity/Prevention & Control , Overweight
Alternative Title
Abstract
In the United States, the adult obesity epidemic is a rising health concern. In the next five years it is predicted that over 85% of adults will be obese or pre-obese (Golden, 2020). Obesity is a growing problem in society, but there is limited guidance for providers on what to do after obesity has been diagnosed. Once obesity is diagnosed, there is a lack of clear, evidence-based recommendations and proven interventions, leaving providers without standardized approaches for effective management.
One program showing success is the Healthy Choices for Every Body (HCEB), created jointly by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the University of Kentucky. A quality improvement project was conducted using the free HCEB program at a privately owned adult clinic in Omaha, Nebraska, to improve modifiable behavioral habits. The project population included seven obese or overweight adults with an average age of 44. Participants attended five, hour long zoom sessions on nutrition, exercise, and food safety practices. The project had five objectives with specific goals. Participants completed the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program-Food and Physical Activity Questionnaire (EFNEP-FPAQ) pre- and post-program, along with a satisfaction survey at the end of the study. Of the five project goals, 3 were accomplished. One result showing significance was the total score on the EFNEP-FPAQ out of a total of 182. The results pre-program (M=97.71, SD=10.981) and post-program (M=109.71, SD=7.432). Paired t-test results showed a significant increase, t(6)=-3.384, p=.015, with a mean improvement of 12 (SD diff= 3.549) and a large effect size (g=10.8). These results demonstrate the promise of a structured program, teaching lifestyle changes to help health care providers manage the growing obesity epidemic.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Creighton University
License
Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University