Healthy living seems to be on everyone’s mind these days. For many, losing weight is at the top of the priority list. To make the weight loss process easier, the State Group Insurance Program has partnered with Weight Watchers At Work to bring the program to all plan members at discounted rates. This program focuses on healthy eating practices and exercise rather than on dieting. The main premise of the program is that the only way to lose weight and to more importantly maintain the weight loss is to make a commitment to change one's eating habits and to maintain an exercise program. On average, 76% of participants in the program lose weight and the average weight loss is 7 pounds per person.
Participants are encouraged to set a weight loss goal of 5% or more of their baseline weight. This modest weight loss can significantly improve weight-related conditions and promote better health. This loss can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels (if too high) and reduce the risk for heart disease. It can also help control blood glucose (blood sugar) levels to prevent or delay diabetes (in those with a condition known as pre-diabetes), or help employees with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels.
To get started, form a small weight loss team at work. Team members provide support to one another and act as exercise buddies. Contact working.well@tn.gov for program materials, tips and other weight loss and exercise ideas.
Maintain Don't Gain
This program was introduced in November 2006. Held between
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day, the emphasis here is to
maintain one's pre-holiday weight. Program materials include basic
ideas for how to face the ever-present holiday temptations and
provide healthful, tasty, low-calorie menu options. Registration
for the program will again take place mid-October to
mid-November.
During our first year's program the majority of participants not only maintained their pre-holiday weight but also lost some weight. Average weight loss was 7 pounds.
Weight Watchers at Work
The State of Tennessee is partnering with Weight Watchers
to bring the Weight Watchers at Work program to state employees at
a discounted rate. The discount also applies to your local Weight
Watchers meetings. In order to get the At Work discount, you must
enroll through an At Work Program. To participate in the At Work
Program and receive the discount, you must pay the fees up front
just like any other At Work Member. When you attend a traditional
meeting, show your membership book, which indicates that you are a
member of an At Work Group. Weight Watchers has over 40 years of
experience and has created a safe, effective and proven weight loss
program built on good nutrition. Research shows that following a
weight-loss program with support from others significantly
contributes to weight loss success.
If you are interested in forming your own group, you will need to identify and reserve a room where the weekly meetings can be held. Weight Watchers will then contact Real Property Management to expand their license agreement with the State of Tennessee to include your location. Once the lease has been approved, you can begin your classes. To form your own group, call:
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For the following counties in East Tennessee, call Amanda Morgan at 1-800-788-3993 or 304-346-0609, ext. 116 (Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington)
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For all other East Tennessee counties, call Judy Brown at 615-244-5566 or 1-800-476-2340
It is our goal and the goal of Weight Watchers to help you achieve your weight-management goals in a safe and effective way. To do this, Weight Watchers will:
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Provide you with the nutritional knowledge you will need to make healthy and nutritious eating choices
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Provide you with a safe environment with confidential weigh-ins
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Guide you to make positive behavioral changes in your life
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Inspire you with our belief in your power to succeed
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Support you every step of the way