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.