Those of us who have taught LifeSteps® know the program works!
Our participants know the program works!
And now, we have published data that shows LifeSteps® works!
The study was published in the July/September 2018 Topics in Clinical Nutrition: “Impact of the LIFESTEPS Weight Management Program on measures of adiposity, self-efficacy, and lifestyle behaviors” by Woolf, Kathleen, PhD, RDN, FACSM; Heller, Jenna E.,MS, RDN; et al.
The study evaluated measures of adiposity, self-efficacy, and lifestyle behavior in 1592 participants from 13 states enrolled in LifeSteps®.
Special thanks to Kathleen Woolf, PhD, RDN, FACSM. Dr. Woolf is an associate professor and director of the nutrition PhD program at New York University; and previously an associate professor in the Health Sciences department at Arizona State University.
LifeSteps® is a behaviorally-based lifestyle change program that can enhance your practice. Click here to learn more about LifeSteps®.
Results:
Measures of Adiposity
Mean weight, BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height decreased significantly between the initial and final assessments for those completing the LifeSteps® program.
Adiposity Measure | Initial | Final |
Mean Weight | 98.2 ± 23.3 kg | 95.0 ± 23.0 kg, p<0.001 |
BMI | 35.7 ± 7.5 kg/m2 | 34.5 ± 7.5 kg/m2, p<0.001 |
Waist Circumference | 108.8 ± 15.3 cm | 104.7 ± 15.1 cm, p<0.001 |
Waist-to-height ratio | 0.66 ± 0.09 | .63.0 ± .09 , p<0.001 |
Measures of Self-Efficacy
Participants reported greater self-efficacy for weight management and physical activity upon completion of the program and self-efficacy was positively associated with percent weight-change.
Self-Efficacy | Initial Score | Final Score |
For Weight Management | 12.9 ± 3.1 | 14.0 ± 3.1, p<0.001 |
For Physical Activity | 13.5 ± 3.3 | 14.1 ± 3.4, p<0.001 |
Lifestyle Behaviors Most Helpful for Weight Loss
After completing LifeSteps®, 754 participants completed the post-assessment questionnaire and identified three behavior strategies most helpful for weight management from a potential list of 15. Responses were analyzed for three groups based on the amount of weight lost. The top five selected overall were ‘keep food records’ (n=480 [63.7%]), ‘measure serving sizes’ (n=303 [40.2%]), ‘do aerobic exercise’ (n=300 [39.8%]), ‘record calories’ (n=297 [39.4%]), and ‘eat a variety of foods’ (n=192 [25.5%]).
Top Three Helpful Lifestyle Changes for Weight Loss
Helpfulness | < 5 pound weight loss (n=433) | 5-10 pound weight loss (n=254) | >10 pound weight loss (n=55) |
Most Helpful | Keep food records (n=266, 61%) | Keep food records (n=167, 66%) |
Keep food records (n=39, 71%) |
Second-most Helpful | Measure servings (n=170, 39%) |
Record calories (n=112, 44%) |
Do aerobic exercise (n=33, 60%) |
Third-most Helpful | Record calories (n=155, 36%) |
Measure serving sizes (n=107, 42%) |
Record calories (n=27, 49%) |
Read the complete study here: Impact of the LIFESTEPS Weight Management Program on Measures of Adiposity, Self-Efficacy, and Lifestyle Behaviors or it can be obtained through Topics in Clinical Nutrition website.
Enhance your Practice
If you’re not teaching LifeSteps®, you’re missing out on a valuable tool. Find out how this program can help you boost your business, and help your clients change their lives.
Karen Cohen says
Hi it sounds great! Do I receive CE credits from the academy for taking the training?
Is there testing or evaluation at the end for those in the training program?
Thank you,
Karen Cohen MPH, RD
LifeSteps says
Hi Karen,
YES! LifeSteps is an accredited provider through CDR and the Leader Training is approved for 15 CPEUs from the Academy. The training is an online course and includes quizzes and tests. At the end of the training, you become qualified to teach the LifeSteps program.