The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30 as obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and other health problems. According to the CDC, as of 2009, Michigan’s obesity prevalence was over 29 percent. McLaren Health Plan (MHP) actively encourages its members, their families and our community to improve their health.

“Concentrate on what you can change. You can’t change your family history, but there are factors that you can impact now,” says Kathleen Kudray, DO, McLaren family practice physician. “Blood pressure, blood sugar and your weight are among the things that you do have control over.”

Free programs available for McLaren members

MHP’s customer service and medical management teams help members take charge of their weight loss. Educational materials are available to all members, and MHP helps set up physician appointments that focus equally on diet and exercise. “When members who want to lose weight have a strong relationship with their physician, coupled with a support system, they are successful,” says Beth Caughlin, vice president of health services. Doctors and patients set goals together during visits that focus equally on diet and exercise.

The Michigan Department of Community Health also offers a free online program to all Michigan residents, called Michigan Steps Up, which encourages adults to create a personal plan, record daily achievements, and complete a Health Risk Appraisal (HRA).  This in-depth assessment provides recommendations for health improvement. “An HRA allows a healthcare provider to have a ready tool to help guide counseling on a host of healthcare-related issues, including obesity,” says Thomas P. Petroff, DO and chief medical officer at MHP.

Preventing obesity in children

McLaren Health Plan endorses the 5-2-1-0 program, a national childhood obesity prevention program supported by the local Kohl’s Cares for Kids. This program offers tangible daily goals to improve fitness, health, and self-esteem. Challenging but fun, participants commit to:

• Eating 5 fruits and vegetables a day

•   Limiting screen time to 2 hours or less

•   Engaging in 1 hour of activity

•   Drinking 0 sugary beverages

According to the CDC, 10 to 15 percent of Michigan children already suffer from obesity, a number that has risen over the last 30 years; 5-2-1-0 aims to make exercise and healthy eating routine for our youth. “We are especially excited to promote the statewide 5-2-1-0 program,” says Caughlin. “It really resonates with children and teens—and adults like it, too.”

Want to learn more about the steps you can take to lose weight? Contact your MHP customer service representative by calling 888-327-0671, or visiting www.mclarenhealthplan.org.

		Tiffany Smolak is a business development specialist at Michigan-based McLaren Health Plan.