Piloting a Weight Management Program at a College Health Center

Background: Approximately 37% of US college students report being either overweight or obese. A college health center at a large Western US university routinely screens students for overweight and obesity, but offers limited weight management counseling. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to create and pilot an onsite weight management program at a college health center, with the long-term goal of improving health among college students with excess weight. Methods: A protocol for a weight management program was developed based on pertinent literature and consultation with directors of local patient and employee wellness programs. Staff feedback was integrated into the protocol. Participating staff members were trained on their roles and responsibilities. The pilot program ran from November 1, 2017 through February 28, 2018 (four months). Evaluation measured, obtained through chart review following the pilot program, included (a) number of students referred to the program, (b) number of students who participated in the program, (c) number of program visits completed by participating students, (d) changes in available biometrics documented at first and final program visits, and (e) qualitative feedback from participating students at the end of the pilot period. Results were shared with the college health center staff. Results: Fifteen students were referred to the program. One student participated in the program, and completed eight program visits. The participant's weight, body mass index, and blood pressure did not change, but his waist circumference decreased by 1.5 inches over the course of the intervention. The participant's qualitative feedback was positive. Conclusions: Providers at a college health center identified students who expressed interest and a need for individualized weight management counseling. Student participation rate was poor, consistent with what has been documented in the literature. Alternative approaches to assisting college students with excess weight are discussed.