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The NSW weight loss challenge was part of the Cultural health communities strategy for the Chronic care for Aborignal people program. NSW Health partnered with NSW Rugby League to reduce the prevelence of chronic disease in Aboriginal communities by offering the opportunity to Aboriginal people to be part of a community challenge.
The aim was to motivate people to manage their risk factors or chronic disease by eating healthy food, being active and having regular health checks. A weight loss challenge and a walking challenge were offered to 50 Aboriginal communities in NSW. Each team was made up of Aboriginal people over the age of 18 years who were motivated to lose weight.
To support the participants they were offered a personal health coach and had access to a town committee. The town committee had representatives from local Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal medical services, Aboriginal land councils, local government and other local organisations. Eighty-nine percent of participants who completed the challenge lost weight and there were self-reported positive outcomes including dietary changes, increased exercise and improved knowledge.
Indigenous HealthInfoNet Abstract
Rachael Havrlant
Chronic Care for Indigneous People Program
Agency for Clinical Innovation
Ph: (02) 9464 4688
Email: Rachael.havrlant@aci.health.gov.au
Raylene Gordon
Program Manager
NSW Ministry of Health
North Sydney
Sydney NSW 2060
Mob: 0434 323 422
Email: rgoed@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
