DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

Topic: "Results from Weight Loss Boot Camp at the ORC Weight Loss Program"


Location: St. Luke's Hospital


Date: May 18th, 2012


Sponsor: Obesity Research Center, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital


Speakers: Richard Weil M.Ed., CDE and Betty Kovacs, M.S., RD

 

The main points of the meeting included the following: Across the research weight loss trends fall along the same curve and find that participants plateau. In this particular study in which participants were enrolled initially in a 52 week program and then seperately into different "boot camps" and weight loss programs participants were able to break through the plateau and loose additional weight. In some cases more weight was lost after the initial 52 week program. For example 50% of participants lost more weight in the 24 weeks of boot camp than they did in the 52 week program. 10 of 14 patients lost more weight in one year of boot camp than in the first year of the program. Of particular interest was the study groups measurement of things such as locus of control, self determination, and the importance of creating an "athletic event." These various characteristics of the raining program and of participants were measured and yielded interesting results although the sample size is too small to accurately make measurements. 

 

Critique of how balanced or biased the question was? What evidence was used? The presenter shared over a dozen different measurements of the study group and shared study results from the initial 52 week program as well as the 24 week boot camp that followed the initial program and subsequent boot camps. Most of the data presented showed the likelyhood that a unique relationship existed... for example if you create an athletic type of event, patients loose more weight. However, all data was measured to show this relationship and there was absolutely no control group. Although there were interesting findings, the findings were not absolute and did not determine accurate relationships between teaching style and weight loss. 

 

What you learned about presenting such a meeting? If you were going to present the session would you do the same? What would you do differently? The audience in the room was very harsh. After speaking to other Hunter students who have attended the ORC presentations I discovered that this is typical of these presentations. However, interestingly the presenter positioned himself in a way where he fielded questions to generate ideas for future study. I thought it created an interesting dynamic in the room. Usually the presenter is expected to be the 'expert' and they often respond to questions almost in defense of their findings. However, by presenting this information as preliminary and asking the audience for suggestions the presentation seemed to flow nicely without leaving the audience feeling as though the presenter did not understand his own study topic. I think this tactic could be useful under similar conditions - if you are presenting preliminary data to a room full of experts in the field. 

 

Determination of how successful the session was in meeting its stated goals? The session was meant to share the findings from the ORC weight loss program and was successful at doing so. However, it was dificult to understand the various programs initial program, boot camp, second boot camp, etc. The presentation could have given a better background on how the weight loss program began and provided a better 'over all' picture.

 

If any refreshments were served, were they appropriate and consistent with the themes and messages of the event? There were no refreshments served at this event. 

 

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.