Completed Research Project
Rotary Waist Disposal Challenge: Implementation and Evaluation of Program
Investigators: Aoun S, Newton R, Newton M, Collins F, McDonnell J, Heron J, Barton M,
Funding: Australian Rotary Health Research Fund. ($40,000) and ECU Collaborative Grant. Industry Partners: Rotary Club of Melville, Rotary Club of South Bunbury, Telstra, WA Country Health Service. ($20,097)
Administering Institution: Curtin University and Edith Cowan University
While no country in the developed world has been successful in reversing the alarming trend of rising levels of overweight and obesity, this project fits within the international policy focus on reducing the rate of increase in obesity and on delivery of self-management programs at the community level. The Waist Disposal Challenge consists of a health intervention at the community level to bring about a reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI) as a primary outcome.
The project has been designed to deliver health benefits at three levels. 1) Three educational presentations on nutrition, exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits were delivered. 2) A monthly monitoring of BMI Competition was established. Two trained volunteers in each club (called Champions) took on the responsibility of weighing Rotarians. 3) A telephone lifestyle coaching service was offered to overweight / obese Rotarians to help them reach their goals. This consisted of a weight loss program tailored to the needs of participants and monitored at four time intervals by health professionals.
23 Rotary Clubs participated in Western Australia in 2007-08 (750 Rotarians). Twenty-one health professionals delivered 69 presentations at clubs’ meeting times. There was positive feedback regarding interest in the content and increase in awareness and motivation to make changes. Most clubs had 50% or more of their members lose weight, with three clubs having 70% of their members decrease their BMI within twelve months. For Rotarians who have enrolled in the telephone coaching program, there are early indications from this pilot study of positive outcomes in improved diet, increase in physical activity, lower blood pressure, better quality of life, increase in vitality and feelings of wellbeing.
The significant to moderate decreases in BMI provide an encouraging indication that such community based projects could play a key role in developing a healthier lifestyle leading to weight loss and therefore reducing the risk of developing lifestyle related chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Findings from this innovative intervention may influence the way health services reorient their community lifestyle programs to appeal to the health psychology of middle-aged to older men.
Negotiations are currently taking place between the three Rotary Districts in Western Australia (9450, 9460 and 9470) and key stakeholders such as health services and disease-specific agencies (Diabetes Association, Heart Foundation and Cancer Council) about the feasibility and sustainability of rolling out this project to all 104 Rotary clubs in Western Australia.
