UA Faculty and Staff Lose 2,581 Pounds in ‘Strive to Scale Back’ Wellness Program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Office of Health Promotion and Wellness recently wrapped up the second year of Scale Back Alabama, a statewide weight loss initiative. Adapted to UA as Strive to Scale Back, the team-based, eight-week program is designed to encourage faculty and staff to improve their health by losing weight and exercising.

A total of 555 faculty and staff members participated in this year’s program, exceeding last year’s participation by 182 members. By the end of the program, UA faculty and staff lost a grand total of 2,581 pounds.

Faculty and staff across campus were encouraged to form teams of four members. Several departments on campus were involved. The Office of Transportation Services had one of the highest participation rates, with 16 employees participating. The four teams, Chris’s Angels, Flab-Blasters, Bust-A-Gut and Crimson lost a total of 242 pounds.

“Scale Back has helped my self-esteem and motivated me to improve my health and live life to the fullest,” said Jan Prewitt, a member of Chris’s Angels.

The program challenged each team member to lose 10 pounds over the eight-week period. Weekly weigh-in sites were available at various locations around campus to allow participants to easily track their weight loss and to receive weekly health and nutrition tips. Nutrition classes and yoga sessions were also offered each week to encourage participants to adopt healthy lifestyle changes.

Teams that met the challenge and lost 10 pounds per member were eligible for a statewide drawing for cash prizes. Teams that either lost five pounds per member or 20 pounds together were eligible for a UA cash prize drawing.

For more information on current and future programs offered by the UA Office of Health Promotion and Wellness, go to http://wellness.ua.edu/ or contact them at wellness@ua.edu, 205/348-0077.