The entire team had the chance to visit the Department of Family Medicine on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus to meet with the UNC Weight Management Program (WMP), directed by Laurel Sisler.
The purpose of WMP is to provide additional support to those at greater risk for weight-related problems, and help participants lose weight, improve their health, and maximize their well-being. Participants have the chance to engage individual and/or group counseling for up to 12 months.
Dr. Goode was introduced to Stephanie and Laurel because they are both alumni of the UNC School of Social Work. In their first meeting, all three recognized their shared desire to encourage more social workers to be involved in the prevention and treatment of obesity. After the meeting, we recognized the desire to look for increased opportunities for collaboration.
Based on Dr. Goode’s preliminary research, she knew that conducting a weight management program in a primary care center may have potential. Thus, we will be working in conjunction with WMP to conduct our next study to evaluate a combination Appetite Awareness Training program and Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment for Black women with weekly binge eating behaviors. We plan to recruit participants from the Department of Family Medicine to participate this Fall. Stay tuned for more details!
