Extension Resources for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Over the past few years, it has become clear that weight is an important health issue. The good news is that there are many benefits of maintaining a healthy weight or losing even a moderate amount of weight. If you are overweight, losing just 5 to 15 percent of total body weight can lower your chances for developing heart disease or having a stroke. Weight loss may even improve blood pressure, triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels. Small changes equal big health gains.
Many Arkansas counties offer free or low cost exercise classes. Contact your county agent to learn if the classes are available in your area.
Reshape Yourself
This healthy weight program targets behavior changes to help you achieve and maintain a healthy body. Reshape Yourself emphasizes a three-part approach to weight management:
- Choose a sensible, balanced diet that fits individual lifestyles
- Engage in regular, enjoyable physical activity
- Make long-term diet-related behavior changes
Reshape Yourself supports the idea that people of all sizes and shapes can improve health by adopting healthy lifestyles.
What people are saying about Reshape Yourself?
This program has helped me realize that I was not eating the right foods. I was eating too many sweets and foods that were not cooked in ways that were healthier. I am now eating healthier and exercising. I feel so much better and I have lost 10 pounds. This program has motivated me to take better care of myself.
- participant, Ashley County
I learned that I don't have to buy fancy foods or vitamins or starve myself to lose
weight and be healthier. Reshape works for me. I've lost 34 pounds in the past year
and been able to keep it off!
- participant, Crawford County
I am more aware of the amount and the quality of food that I eat. I've limited the
portion sizes that I put on my plate and bake rather than fry.
- participant, Franklin County
Want to participate in the Reshape Yourself program?
Contact your local county Extension Office
Latest Publications
- Energy Expenditure and Weight Management
- Protein and Weight Management
- Nutrition, Exercise, and Muscle
- Breakfast and Its Effect on Weight