Mobilising a rural community to lose weight: impact evaluation of the WellingTonne Challenge

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the WellingTonne Challenge.

Design: Before-after study.

Setting: The National Action Agenda for the prevention and control of obesity in Australia identified community action and development as a key theme. The WellingTonne Challenge was a whole-of-community project designed to support a small rural community to lose weight and reduce their risk of chronic disease.

Participants: Adult residents of the Wellington Local Government Area who were overweight or obese.

Results: The project successfully engaged the community with around 10% of the target group formally participating in the Challenge. Participants achieved a weight reduction of around 3 kg each, as well as positive changes in diet and physical activity. A total of 59% of those who signed up for the Challenge achieved an accumulated loss of 687 kg at the end of the 12-week program--less than the community goal of 1000 kg.

Conclusion: The WellingTonne Challenge is a promising intervention. Wider implementation of this approach in other small rural communities might make a significant contribution to the national effort. The opportunity should be taken to undertake a more rigorous evaluation to determine whether this approach benefits communities in the longer term.