Employees lose 625 lbs in A Slimmer You!

When The Slimmer You program was launched last fall through the MCC Wellness committee, finding success stories posed as an obstacle - all participants and personal information are kept confidential. But, excited participants came to the committee, eager to talk about both the ease of the program and the results that were achieved.

Preliminary reporting from the program showed a total weight loss of 625 pounds for the MCC participants. The average weight loss was 7.7 pounds, and 12 people lost over 15 pounds!

Because the program was new to MCC employees, many of the participants weren’t sure what to expect. Rebecca Burroughs college relations coordinator at MCC-Longview (pictured above), was in that boat.

“Anytime I can get tips on how I can be healthier, I’m into it,” said Burroughs. “I didn’t really know anything about it because it was a brand new program, but I was really excited when I was picked to participate.”

Successful completers who were interviewed all talked about the ease of the program. “I was focused on making sure I did everything that was required,” Burroughs said. “First the blood work, watch the videos, then do the follow-up blood work. That was all I had to do. It wasn’t hard and I liked the videos.”

Burroughs main goal in completing the program was to be healthier overall. One thing she focused on was her cholesterol numbers. “I’m always trying to make my good cholesterol better. I knew there were some things I needed to be more aware of to try to have better lifestyle habits.”

Already a committed walker, Burroughs continued her walking program throughout the 10 weeks. “I didn’t have any expectations with weight loss,” she added, “but I did lose 14 pounds while on the program and another 2 pounds since the program ended. Even through the holidays!”

A Slimmer You is a 10-week, online program focused on healthy eating, weight management and physical activity. The time commitment is approximately one hour per week. Participants receive a packet in the mail, which guides the participant through the program; a workbook is also included.

Key features of the program include:
· Helping you develop a lifestyle of eating the foods you enjoy, while improving your health and losing weight.
· Addressing habits around eating, hunger and hydration that support weight loss or maintenance.
· Decreasing your risk for Metabolic Syndrome by addressing key risk factors – hypertension, high cholesterol and elevated blood sugar.
· Providing a holistic approach that covers, stress management, health education, exercise and fitness, and psychological and emotional fulfillment.

Another success story comes from B Sanchez, accounting specialist at the Administrative Center.

“I was interested in the program as soon as I received the email,” said Sanchez. “The program, which normally costs of $500, was being provided to us for no fee, as long as we completed the program. And of course it helped that I had to pay back $100 if I didn’t complete. That was great incentive!”

One of the perks to becoming involved with the wellness program is that the calendar of programs accessible is designed by the committee to complement one another. For example, face-to face coaching will begin the first of February. Those who want or need continued guidance can follow their program with a lifestyle coach. Any employee who is a member of the BC/BS insurance plan has the opportunity to meet monthly, at no cost, with a certified health coach, who is trained in psychology and health management.

Also, all the work done in these different programs allows employees to add to their Points to Blue rewards. Completing A Slimmer You adds 7,500 points automatically.

“I feel so great since I started the program, and I had to buy new clothes,” added Sanchez. “The bonus was adding everything to Points to Blue and getting a $250 gift card to shop on!”

Sanchez looked forward to the weekly videos and was able to lose 14 pounds on the program. “The program ended right before the holidays so the timing was great. I was able to make it through from the tips that I learned without blowing the work I had done.”

The next secession of A Slimmer You will run through the summer. Preliminary screenings are planned for sometime in May. Watch The MCC Insider as the details are hammered out and links for enrollment are established.