For the first time, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service The Step Up Scale Down Wellness Program is offering its Fall Edition online course for free, open to anyone age 18 and older throughout Texas. Former participants in Intensify the reduction lost an average of 8 pounds. over 12 weeks and reported developing healthier eating habits and overall improvement in their health.
Step Up Scale Down is a 12-week program focused on healthy living through nutrition and physical education. Participants will be able to choose from two online course options. The course begins September 5 and registration is available until September 19.
Registration for courses is available via the AgriLife Learn online training platform.
A Helpful, Research-Based Weight Loss Program
A new topic will be covered during each lesson to help participants achieve their health goals using evidence and research-based information. The course content is based on United States Department of Agriculture guidelines, which can help support participants on their weight loss journey. Some course topics include how to calculate calorie needs for weight loss to achieve a healthy weight, why fad diets are not recommended, portion sizes for adults, and how to read nutrition labels.
Participants will learn to:
- Apply healthier eating habits to their daily lives.
- Achieve and maintain weight loss goals.
- Create a structured and sustainable lifestyle to improve their health and well-being.
- Benefit from a positive support system from county AgriLife Extension agents.
Step Up Scale Down teaches sustainable, healthy lifestyle changes to give participants the confidence to continue what they’ve learned even after completing the course.
With growing interest in online and virtual health programs, the Step Up Scale Down online course is a proven way to provide healthy living education. New additions to this course include discussion forums for participants to get support from AgriLife Extension specialists. Participants will also receive points and rewards for completing course lessons and participating.
Carissa Wilhelm, AgriLife Extension program specialist for Healthy South Texassaid she hopes the free course will motivate people to sign up.
“For many people, it’s difficult to start an exercise program and sometimes they don’t know where to start,” she said. “We want to reach more Texans, men and women. With this free Step Up Scale Down course, our goal is to provide participants with the education and resources needed to make more informed health decisions, leading to a better quality of life.
For more information about Step Up Scale Down and to sign up, visit tx.ag/SUSDF23.
