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Overview

Excitement is building as MSU Extension Service launches Mississippi in Motion, a state-wide initiative designed to promote healthy lifestyles through exercise, proper nutrition, and social support. The program concept came from a tremendously successful effort in West Point, Mississippi, in which approximately 1,000 community members participated and collectively lost over 6,000 pounds. Following this success, the program was refined and piloted in ten additional counties. The successes of these pilot projects mirrored those in West Point.

The twelve-week program begins with a registration session that is coupled with a health fair, during which participants’ weight, height, body mass index, and blood pressure are recorded. Over the following ten weeks, participants attend weekly educational sessions on different healthy living topics. During the final week, the participants weigh out and enjoy a celebration.

One important aspect of the program is social support. Participants are encouraged to form teams of five members that become a support network during the program. The teams set goals and encourage each other toward success. Many of the participants said this was a key element in staying on course toward their goals.