Center for Healthy Living adding new weight management initiative

In order to expand resources and support for those struggling with weight loss, weight management and obesity, the Center for Healthy Living is introducing a "Wellness Wednesdays Program with the Dietitian" as an additional education program on the topic of weight management and nutrition. The launch of the initiative takes place Feb. 15 on Purdue's West Lafayette campus.

Although the center continues to offer weight management workshops throughout the year, the new programming takes a different approach consisting of one-on-one nutrition counseling and coaching with the center’s registered dietitian, Ellen Welch.

All benefits-eligible faculty and staff and spouses/adult dependents covered on a Purdue health plan can participate. The program is focused on clients who meet the criteria of a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 25; however, any individual seeking nutritional counseling is welcome to take advantage of the program.

“I am excited we are able to bring this type of programming to campus,” Welch says. “The program views weight loss and maintenance as lifelong commitments and provides ongoing care, the same type of care provided for other chronic conditions. Approaching individuals whom this program was created for with the concept of self-compassion brings a relatively new look at weight management, weight loss and obesity. Having the opportunity and ability to join individuals on their journey in this capacity is something I am very much looking forward to doing.”

Welch will provide intrapersonal therapeutic nutrition care including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, goal setting, counseling, evaluation and determining possible nutrition-drug interactions. It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that to obtain weight loss, clients should commit to a minimum of 14 medical nutrition therapy visits over a period of six months.

Participants will have easier access and a greater opportunity to be successful with their goals as Welch will be available on campus 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday Feb. 15 through May 31 for one-on-one, 60-minute, appointments individually tailored to each participant. For added convenience, appointments will take place at Stewart Center and Purdue Memorial Union to provide a central campus location. 

Dates and locations available for appointments are:

* Feb. 15: Stewart Center, Room 213.

* Feb. 22: Stewart Center, Room 107 foyer.

* March 1: Stewart Center, Room 213.

* March 8: Purdue Memorial Union, Room 256.

* March 15: Purdue Memorial Union, Room 256.

* March 22: Stewart Center, Room 213.

* March 29: Stewart Center, Room 213

* April 5: Stewart Center, Room 213.

* April 12: Stewart Center, Room 213.

* April 19: Stewart Center, Room 213.

* April 26: Purdue Memorial Union, Room 256.

* May 3: Stewart Center, Room 213.

* May 10: Purdue Memorial Union, Room 256.

* May 17: Purdue Memorial Union, Room 256.

* May 24: Stewart Center, Room 213.

* May 31: Stewart Center, Room 213.

Those interested need to register by the day before the appointment date they wish to attend by calling 765-494-5505 to register. Once the first appointment is set, Welch will schedule participants’ future appointments.

Questions regarding the “Wellness Wednesdays Program with the Dietitian” can be directed to 765-494-5505.