Toward Permanent Weight Management

Article By:Monica L. Bonsett
Family and Consumer Sciences Educator
08/27/09

Achieving a healthy weight through improving diet and physical activity can help prevent some serious chronic diseases such as Type II diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and certain cancers. Most everyone is aware of this fact. But despite this knowledge, many of us struggle to stick with healthier eating and exercise plans.

Research shows without regular physical activity on most days of the week, it is very difficult for most people to balance calories consumed from foods and beverages to achieve a healthy weight. Besides, we need regular physical activity on most days of the week just for good health.

The UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension office is offering a great class in October for those that may need a little kick start to launch into some healthier dietary and exercise habits. This 5-week Toward Permanent Weight Management class is based on University of Florida's curriculum and is a research-based approach to losing weight and maintaining weight loss in a healthy way.

The program is not a quick weight loss plan, instead it is based on the Dietary Guidelines of 2005 which encourages slow weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week by eating nutrient-dense foods and beverages (without added calories, fats, and sugars) and by engaging in regular physical activity most days, preferably all days of the week.

The class will meet every Thursday at the UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension office, from 3 to 4 pm. The first class will be held on October 1 and weekly sessions will continue for 5 weeks. The cost of the class is $15, check or money order only, made payable to Citrus County BOCC. Pre-paid registration is required and no refunds or transfers will be given. A physician's release must be signed by your doctor for you to participate in the activity portion of this class. Physician and liability forms must be returned with your payment before the first class.

The majority of each session will focus on exercising. Class size is limited to 30 participants. Participants must be 18 years old or older. To pre-register or for more information, please call 352-527-5700. Registration begins Tuesday, Sept 1 and ends September 24. Forms can be picked up at the Extension office at 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 1, Lecanto, FL 34461. Or they can be mailed to you per your request. Our office is open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

Citrus County Extension links the public with the University of Florida/IFAS' knowledge, research, and resources to address youth, family, community, and agricultural needs.

All programs and related activities sponsored for, or assisted by, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are open to all persons with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations.

For persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations, please contact our office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request. For hearing impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Center at 1-800-955-8770 (voice) or 1-800 –955-8771 (TDD).