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Evidence Based

Meets Guidelines

LifeSteps® is grounded in sound science and reflects current dietary, physical activity and weight management guidelines, including:

  • The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020
  • 2013 AHA/ACC/TOS Guideline for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults
  • 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

LifeSteps® also reflects the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for weight management and American Diabetes Association for diabetes management.

  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Position on the Intervention and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults
  • American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes

Outcomes Studies

The LifeSteps® Team has been collecting outcomes data since 2003.  Our data show that participants lose weight, lower their BMI and decrease their waist circumference. Below, find summaries of our studies, including our ongoing Mentored Outcomes Study.

NEW! LifeSteps® Data PUBLISHED!

Topics in Clinical Nutrition 2018

In early 2010, the LifeSteps® Management Team partnered with the nutrition faculty and an undergraduate student at Arizona State University to collect and analyze data for 1,592 participants enrolled in LifeSteps® programs in 13 different states.  The study examined the effects of LifeSteps® on measures of adiposity (body weight, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio), confidence and beliefs (weight management, physical activity), and lifestyle behaviors (dietary self-monitoring, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity).

Key outcomes included:

  • 1,131 of the 1,592 participants (71%) completed the program indicating a low level of attrition.
  • Body weight, BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio decreased significantly between initial and final assessments of the 1,131 participants completing the program.
  • Three behaviors participants reported as most helpful for weight management were: Keep food records, do aerobic exercise and measure servings.

Abstracts were presented at the 2010 SCAN and FNCE conferences.

SCAN Abstract

FNCE Abstract

Survey Instrument and Data Collection 

The cognitive component of the Outcomes Survey instrument was revised based on the results of a Pilot Study.  The revised survey asked participants to rate:

  • Their confidence level for managing their behavior in specific situations.
  • The strength of their belief that specific eating and physical activity actions would lead to specific health benefits.
  • The three strategies (from a list of 15) that were most helpful in their weight management endeavor.

Data collection using the new instrument started in January 2003 and continued through the spring of 2009.  During this 6-year data collection period:

  • 18 leaders provided pre- and post-treatment physical data on program participants, including age, height, weight and waist circumference.
  • 754 participants provided complete physical and behavioral data.
  • Some form of physical or behavioral data was obtained from 1,592 program participants.

Key Outcomes

  • Significant (p<0.001) decrease in body weight, BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio.
  • 1,131 of the 1,592 participants (71%) completed the program, indicating a low level of attrition.
  • “Keep food records” was reported by 63.7% of those completing the outcome instrument as the most helpful program activity.

Trends

Statistical analysis could not be done on the food intake, physical activity, self-efficacy and belief data from the Outcomes Survey Instrument, but it was possible to look at the following trends:

Current Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors

  • Improvements in food choices as demonstrated by increased of servings from the nutrient-rich food groups.
  • Increased levels of physical activity post-treatment with greater gains in aerobic than resistance activity.

Confidence Measures

  • The percentage of respondents with low confidence in specific eating and physical activity situations decreased from pre- to post-treatment for all situations. Ratings of “moderately confident” or “highly confident” increased for all eating situations.
  • “High confidence” ratings increased for all physical activity situations.
  • The percentage of respondents feeling “moderately confident” when family and friends are not physically active and when family and friends do not encourage physical activity decreased from pre- to post-treatment.  However, the percentage of respondents feeling “highly confident” in these two situations increased considerably from pre- to post-treatment.

Strength of Beliefs

Respondents were also asked to rate the strength of their belief that changes in eating and/or physical activity would have a positive outcome in terms of reduced disease risk, weight maintenance and maintenance of new eating and/or physical activity behaviors.

  • There were no major change from pre- to post-treatment. This is not surprising since belief in these outcomes probably prompted respondents to seek out a behavior change program such as LifeSteps® .
  • The above is evidenced in relatively high ratings at pre-treatment with little change at post-treatment.

More detailed information on these trends can be found here.  This is a detailed, tabulated chart of responses for each question of the Outcomes Survey.

WMDPG Mentored Outcomes Study - Ongoing

Data collection complete

In 2014, LifeSteps® was chosen to participate in a Mentored Outcomes Study with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group (WMDPG).  As a result of participating in this study, the LifeSteps® team has been collecting pre- and post-treatment data from several LifeSteps® programs around the country.  To date, there are 117 subjects enrolled in the study, with complete data on 99 subjects.

Preliminary data was presented at the April, 2015 WMDPG Symposium in Portland, Oregon.

Results

Participation in LifeSteps®, a 16-week, RDN-led, behavior-based, comprehensive weight management program, significantly improved (p < 0.01) measures of adiposity:

  • Weight
  • BMI
  • Waist circumference
  • Waist-to-height ratio

The program also significantly increased participants’ ability to:

  • Employ strategies thought to be effective for weight loss and weight management (p < 0.05).
  • Manage factors that negatively affect eating control and weight loss efforts through increased self-efficacy and confidence (p < 0.01).

Click image below to see poster presented at the WMDPG Symposium, April, 2015.

Poster presented at the WMDPG Symposium, April, 2015

Pilot Study

An outcomes measurement instrument developed by LifeSteps®, Inc. was tested by collecting data from individuals who participated in the LifeSteps® Weight Management Program between September 2000 and June 2001.  The instrument was designed to collect information on current eating and physical activity behaviors.  Participants were asked to rate the importance of following specific behavioral strategies taught in LifeSteps® and to rate their confidence in performing these behaviors.  Eighteen LifeSteps® Leaders and 133 program participants participated in the pilot. Participant pre- and post-treatment weights were also provided by the leaders.

Results

  • Keeping Food Records:

    • 50% of participants who did not record dietary intake prior to the program were keeping a food record at least 3-4 times per week post-treatment.
    • 32% of participants were keeping a food record daily.
  • Weight Loss:

    Averaged just under 1 pound per week.

  • Dietary Intake Changes:

    Positive increases were reported from the Fruit, Vegetable, Grain and Dairy Groups:

    • Fruit Group:
      • 30% increased from 1 serving to 2-3 servings per day
      • 33% maintained intake at 2-3 servings per day
    • Vegetable Group:
      • 23% increased intake from 1 serving to 2-3 servings per day
      • 27% maintained intake at 2-3 servings per day
    • Grain Group:
      • 23% increased intake from 1-3 servings to 4-6 servings per day
    • Dairy Group
      • 13% increased intake from 1 serving to 3 servings per day
      • 18% maintained intake at 3 servings per day
      • 7% increased intake from 3 servings to 4 servings per day
    • Others:
      • A small decrease in servings of foods classified as “Others”, or foods high in fat or sugar, was reported.
  • Physical Activity Changes:

    Positive changes were observed in both aerobic activity and strength training.

  • Aerobic Activity:
    • 10% of respondents increased from none to 1-3 hours per week
    • 16% increased from less than 30 minutes per week to 1-3 hours per week
    • 6% increased from 30-60 minutes per week to 1-3 hours per week
  • Strength Training:
    • 10% increased from none to less than 30 minutes per week
    • 9% increased from none to 30-60 minutes per week
    • 5% increased to 1-3 hours per week

Post-treatment Maintenance:

To measure weight maintenance, a telephone survey was conducted 6-9 months post treatment. Of the 133 original participants in the pilot study, 94.7% (n=126) were reached by phone and asked to report their current weight.  Results were classified into 3 groups:

  • Losers were defined as those who continued to lose weight post treatment.
  • Maintainers were defined as those maintained their end-of-treatment weight or gained < 5 pounds post treatment.
  • Gainers were defined as those who had gained > 5 pounds post treatment.

Of the 126 surveyed 6-9 months after treatment:

  • 92% were classified as losers (n=116)
  • 4% were maintainers (n=7)
  • 6% were gainers (n=3).

Historical Data

Fuller, E. et al. LIFESTEPS Versus Weighing the Options Criteria: An evaluation of a Nonclinical Weight Management Program. Nutrition Today, 1996. 31(5), 198-202.

LifeSteps® was originally developed by National Dairy Council® in 1985 as a worksite wellness program. It has been tested throughout the years, beginning with this study published in Nutrition Today in 1996. LifeSteps® has withstood the test of time and continues to help participants across the country make lasting behavior changes.

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Why Small Groups

Target Audience

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Want More Information?

Training and Program Package-$695

Everything you need to get your small group started!

Leader Training

Online self-study training course

Leader Materials

  • User Guide
  • Session Lesson Plans
  • Materials for Lessons

Participant Materials

  • Personal Plan Notebook
  • Self-Assessments
  • Eat the MyPlate Way
  • 18 Food and Activity Record booklets

Ready to boost your business and start the program?

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LIFESTEPS Weight Management Program

9 months ago

LIFESTEPS Weight Management Program
Summer berries are at their best., and they pack a whopping dose of nutrition! Here are eight tasty recipes and some new ways for adding them to your summer menu.1. Berry barbecue sauce.2. Homemade berry-chia jam.3. One-ingredient sorbet.4. Decadent dessert.5. Berries and cashew cream.6. Fruit skewers.7. Berries with nutmeg.8. Frozen berry pops.#summerberries #berryrecipes #antioxidantrich #smallchangesprovenresults @kerigans ...

8 Unusual Ways to Enjoy Berries

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Need more details about the LifeSteps® program?

This brochure is an overview of the program that you can bring to management and decision-makers to help build your LifeSteps® business.

Download brochure.

Need more details about the LifeSteps® program?

This brochure is an overview of the program that you can bring to management and decision-makers to help build your LifeSteps® business.

Download brochure.

Leader Requirements

We are proud to say it! “Not just anyone can teach LifeSteps® ! Only Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) and qualified health professionals can become LifeSteps® Leaders.” . It’s what sets LifeSteps® apart from other weight management programs and one way we maintain the integrity and quality of the program.

Non-RDN Applicants

All non-RDN applicants must demonstrate ongoing continuing education in nutrition through workshops, seminars, conferences, etc. within the last five years and meet one of the following criteria:

  • Hold a degree in nutrition from an accredited college or university, OR
  • Hold a 4-year degree in a related health field and have completed a minimum of one college- level course in human nutrition, OR
  • Hold a 4-year degree in a non-related field, have five years’ work experience in a health-related field, and have completed a minimum of one college-level course in human nutrition from an accredited college or university within the past five years.

Intellectual Property Rights

(CDR #LS001)

All applicants who are accepted into the course must sign and return a LifeSteps® Leader Agreement that outlines LifeSteps® intellectual property rights.

LifeSteps®  is a Continuing Professional Education Accredited Provider through the Commission on Dietetic Registration

Want More Information?

Are you an RDN or health professional interested in learning more about LifeSteps®?

Get our Program Overview.




Interested in participating in a LifeSteps® group? Contact us…

30LM-LifeSteps Leader-Mktg-2018
Why Small Groups

LifeSteps® is designed for groups of 10-18.  This size allows for a healthy combination of discussion, content review, sharing, accountability and group support.  This size group is small enough to provide personal contact that supports successful behavior change, but big enough for dynamic and robust interaction.

Why Leaders Like Them

  • Cost and time effective
  • Fun and enjoyable to facilitate
  • Participants come up with answers and solutions, too
  • Two-way learning – The leader learns from the group and the group learns from the leader
  • Problem solving and accountability that is not available with one-on-one counseling
  • Peer modeling that makes your job easier and has a profound impact on the entire group

Why Participants Like Them

  • Everyone shares the common goal of lifestyle change and weight loss
  • Everyone works on similar challenges
  • Participants benefit from the shared experience and learn from others in the group
  • They’re “part of something bigger”
  • Find new support and feel understood knowing they are not alone in this challenge
  • Motivate and empower one another

 

Leader Training

What You’ll Learn

The course covers everything you need to know to launch a successful LifeSteps® program.  It:

  • Develops your skills in behavioral techniques, behavioral feedback and group management.
  • Certifies you to deliver LifeSteps® in a variety of setting, including worksites, private medical practices, fitness centers and wellness and bariatric clinics.
  • Provides RDNs with 15 CPEs that can be completed on your schedule, in your home or office.

      Course Objectives: After completing the Leader Training, you will be able to:

  • Identify all components of the LifeSteps® Weight Management Program.
  • Know how to use each component effectively.
  • Apply cognitive-behavioral strategies and group facilitation skills in a weight management setting.
  • Understand when and how to provide behavioral feedback to clients.
  • Apply goal setting concepts to specific client situations.
  • Function as an independent contractor of the LifeSteps® Weight Management Program.
  • Market and promote the program.

What’s Included

Both course options include the following:

  • Required, background reading
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • “Hands on” assignments using the LifeSteps® program materials
  • Review through quizzes and tests
  • Idea sharing

How It Works

If you’re qualified to become a LifeSteps® Leader, choose from two options:

  • Scheduled Course – Join in and interact online with others who are taking the course at the same time.
  • Individualized Self-study – This is a great option if scheduled course dates don’t work for you. Contact tracy@lifestepsweight.com for more information.

The course is taught entirely online.  All you need is:

  • A computer
  • An internet connection and
  • 6 weeks to complete the LifeSteps® Leader Training Course!

No matter which option you choose:

  • You complete the course at your own pace, on your own time, in the convenience of your home or work setting.
  • The course is open and available for you 24/7.
  • There is no set time to log-in and you can work when it fits your schedule.
  • Plan for about 3 hours per week to complete the tasks.

How Do I Start?  Apply to Be a Leader

We are proud to say it! “Not just anyone can teach LifeSteps®! 

Only Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) and qualified health professionals can become LifeSteps® Leaders.”  It’s what sets LifeSteps® apart from other weight management programs and one way we maintain the integrity and quality of the program.

All non-RDN applicants must demonstrate ongoing continuing education in nutrition through workshops, seminars, conferences, etc. within the last 5 years and meet one of the following criteria:

  • Hold a degree in nutrition from an accredited college or university, OR
  • Hold a 4-year degree in a related health field and have completed a minimum of one college-level course in human nutrition, OR
  • Hold a 4-year degree in a non-related field, have 5 years’ work experience in a health-related field, and have completed a minimum of one college-level course in human nutrition from an accredited college or university within the past 5 years.

 

(CDR #LS001)

LifeSteps®  is a Continuing Professional Education Accredited Provider through the Commission on Dietetic Registration

Target Audience

LifeSteps® is appropriate for a wide ranging audience of people who want to lose weight for any number of reasons. It’s for people…

  • With medical conditions, such as prediabetes or diabetes, hypertension, knee and joint issues, sleep apnea or any condition where losing weight – even small amounts – can make a big difference.
  • Who suffer from “diet burnout” and have tried numerous diets without success.
  • Who simply want to look and feel better.

Readiness Is Key

Regardless of the motivation for losing weight, a person has to be READY for LifeSteps®.  It is for the individual who WANTS to lose weight for personal reasons, not because someone has told them they “should” or “need” to lose weight.

They have to be willing to:

  • Commit to healthy, moderate eating habits and regular physical activity.
  • Be accountable and keep daily food and activity records.
  • Attend LifeSteps® classes and be part of a group that can support them.
  • Commit to healthy, realistic weight loss goals and take the weight off slowly.
  • Challenge their current attitudes and beliefs about food, physical activity and weight.
  • Engage family, friends and others who will support their lifestyle changes.
Leader and Participant Material Samples

Leader Sample

SamplePages-Leader

 

 

Participant Sample

SamplePages-Participant