A HEALTHY LIFE-STYLE PROGRAM FOR THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY IN MINORITYMEN

Historically, minority males have had limited success in programs desi gned to reduce weight. Twenty-five obese minority males participated i n a healthy lifestyle program designed to treat essential hypertension , hyperlipidemia, type II diabetes, obesity, and hypothyroidism Coined the LE(3)AN Lifestyle Program (emphasizing healthy lifestyles, realis tic exercise, reasonable expectations and emotions, attitudes, and nut rition), the program offered a treatment model that involved reasonabl e low-intensity short exercise regimens, instruction, and extensive pr actice in making healthy food choices, behavior modification and self- monitoring techniques coupled with guidance on realistic weight loss a nd exercise expectations The participants were able to lose 13 lb duri ng the inpatient plus day treatment phases of the program and continue d to maintain a 19-lb weight loss at 12 months. A program overview, ca se examples, and suggestions to improve outcome efficacy with difficul t to manage obese, minority, male patients are provided.