 |
The Lighten Up program is based on the trans-theoretical model of behaviour change, which incorporates a number of earlier behaviour change theories, particularly the stages of change model. The program emphasises individual behavioural goals including making healthy food choices, based on the Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults, reducing fat and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, regular physical activity, setting realistic goals, overcoming negative behaviours, increasing self esteem and managing stress.
The Lighten Up to a Healthy Weight Program was developed and piloted by Queensland Health as a community-based weight management program for overweight adults, in Dalby in 1990. A second trial was conducted in 1992 in Dalby and in 1993-1994 a regional trial was conducted in seven communities in the Wide Bay Health Region. From 1994-1996 a full-time project officer was employed to coordinate State-wide implementation of the Lighten Up program, and it was subsequently adopted by other regions of Queensland. In 2000, the program was revised and renamed the Lighten Up to a Healthy Lifestyle program. State-wide evaluations of program outcomes were conducted in 1996 and 2004. A review of the implementation of the program was conducted in 2000.
Since 2002, Queensland Health has invested an additional $5M recurrent funding in nutrition and physical activity programs, and the staffing to implement them. This has enabled Division of the Chief Health Officer staff to coordinate the Lighten Up program centrally and at an Area Health service level.
Staff of Health Service Districts and non-Government organisations in Queensland deliver the program. At the local level, the program is managed by a Program Coordinator and relevant district staff. In each of the three Area Health Services, an Area Public Health Nutritionist (healthy weight) is responsible for training and support for local programs. A State-wide Coordinator and Working Group are responsible for ensuring that the program is delivered in a consistent quality manner across the state. This includes monitoring and evaluation of programs and regularly reviewing program resources and training.
Other languages