Since September 2008 over 300 Maine State employees have lost 6100 pounds through a comprehensive multi-disciplinary team approach.
In researching programs, the Workers Compensation Division of the State of Maine discovered the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change. The Model resonated with what they knew−all individuals would not be ready to make the changes necessary to lead healthier lives and that those individuals would need time to make change possible. “The Transtheoretical Model became the philosophy that our ‘ME First’ obesity program was built around”, stated Rachel Maier, Program Manager of the Eastside Wellness Center in Augusta, Maine. ME First stands for Maine fighting increase risk starting today. Pro-Change’s Weight Management stage-based manuals are given to each participant and are the focus of the monthly facilitation groups held throughout the State. Pro-Change’s Weight Management manual titled “Roadways to Healthy Living” takes participants through the stages of change for healthy eating, exercising regularly, and managing emotional eating. The manual was first used in 2002 in an effective randomized clinical trial as part of a National Institutes of Health’s Small Business Research Innovation grant. Wellness coaches trained in the Transtheoretical Model and Weight Watchers’ memberships are also part of the services offered.
In 2009 another 440 employees joined the ME First program. The total for all groups to date is nearing a loss of 14,000 pounds. As a result of this program, the State of Maine has seen a reduction in medication use and now is researching decreases in worker compensation costs.