Metro Atlanta YMCA & the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation Team up for Weight Loss

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation and the Metro Atlanta YMCA are offering a free, weight loss program within a research study. Called Make a Positive Change, the study’s goal is to determine how obese adults can make positive health changes to avoid the onset of diabetes. See if you qualify, and register today. Friends, family members, employees, and others can save money and lose weight by making a positive change.

The Metro Atlanta YMCA developed THE COACH APPROACH® exercise support process to help build the habit of regular physical activity in adults. It is a safe, fun, highly-supportive, evidence-based, behavior-change protocol for new and returning exercisers.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation’s concern for the health of local residents will enable adults with obesity to participate at no cost. “Through its ongoing research and evidence-based health programs, the Metro Atlanta YMCA continues to successfully and positively impact local communities,” said Monye Connolly, president of BCBSGA. “This program has garnered impressive results for past participants and we expect future participants to reap great results as well.”

Six months to success
Lawrenceville resident Terry Anderson is making a positive change. She had not exercised in more than 30 years. After participating in the research study, she raised her energy levels, lowered her blood pressure, eliminated all cholesterol medication, and lost 40 pounds. Hear from her at www.ymcapass.com/makeachangestudy.shtml

THE COACH APPROACH exercise support process

A safe, fun, highly-supportive evidence-based coaching process, participants will learn to start and stick to an exercise regimen, reduce health risks associated with obesity and improve energy levels. Over six months, participants will be supported by a personal wellness coach, who will teach how to exercise, eat for results and achieve long-term weight loss.

The research study includes a free YMCA membership with unlimited access to treadmills, exercise bicycles, indoor walking tracks, swimming pools, and exercise equipment specifically designed for individuals with a larger body size

Requirements for participants:

Must present a physician’s written release authorizing participation in a regular exercise program
Must be 21-60 years old
Have not participated in regular exercise program within the last year
Cannot be under medical supervision for diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease
Cannot have uncontrolled high blood pressure
Must have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more. (For example, a person of five feet and five inches would be required to weight at least 211 pounds. Height and weight chart located at www.ymcapass.com/makeachangestudy.shtml)
Cannot be on psychological or weight loss medications
Must attend an orientation session and bring physician’s release to the orientation session

Participating locations:

Lawrenceville
Ashford Dunwoody
Alpharetta
Buckhead
Southwest Atlanta
Marietta
East Lake
Newnan

Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Confirm if you qualify, and register today for this free program. Call (404)527-7690 or e-mail ymcamakeachange@gmail.com. Go to www.ymcapass.com/makeachangestudy.shtml for more information.