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| Whey study participants, Porche, left, and Isadore |
Baton
Rouge, La - The incidence of overweight and obesity in Louisiana, the United
States and worldwide has reached epidemic proportions. The direct medical
costs for obesity and obesity-associated chronic diseases are staggering.
The
SU Ag Center received funding from USDA/NIFA to mitigate this issue. The
project is entitled “Combating Childhood Obesity with Caregivers as Change
Agents,” or Whey 2 Go Program. The study was designed for 24 weeks and is
currently in its 21th week and making strides among participants. The
study involves 26 African American men and women who consume smoothies/shakes
every morning. In addition, they receive nutrition education intervention and
physical activities once a week during the study period. The results so
far have shown lower body weight and lower cumulative food intake during the past
21 weeks of study.
Isadore
Sparks, in the treatment group, has lost 57 lbs. since the beginning of the
Whey 2 Go program. Sparks began the program in hopes of finding better methods
of managing his weight. He starts his day with a shake and eats three meals a
day. He has learned to time and properly portion his meals and says, “Most
importantly, I have learned how to read food labels. I want to get back to how
I was at 15.”
Porsche
Holmes, who belongs to the study control group, has lost 22 lbs. so far.
Dr.
Fatemeh Malekian serves as project director on this project funded by US Department
of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture, assisted by Dr.
Janana Snowden. For further details, please contact Malekian
or Snowden at 225-771-2242.
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Contact:
Bridget
Udoh
(225)
771-5714
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