January 9, 2012 – [Providence] Brown University, Rhode Island’s oldest institution of higher learning, will be sponsoring the participation of its employees in Shape Up RI in 2012. Widely considered the nation’s most successful statewide wellness program, Shape Up RI began collaborating with Brown University 7 years ago.

Since its inaugural competition in 2006, Shape Up RI has aided Brown in motivating employees from every corner of the prestigious Ivy League university to improve their physical well-being with healthy eating and reductions to weight, BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

In ever-increasing numbers—422 Brown University employees participated in 2011 alone—Shape Up RI participants have enthusiastically endorsed the well-respected movement to encourage Ocean State residents to embrace healthier lifestyles.

“I love the Shape Up RI program,” says Jane McIlmail, Academic Department Manager at Brown’s Department of Computer Science. “It has really helped me to get in shape and stay there, maintaining a healthy weight.” McIlmail, who led “Walking Fits Us,” one of many 2011 Brown University teams, adds, “It has prompted me to wear a pedometer year-round. My primary care physician is very happy with the results, and wants me to think of my pedometer as a prescription.”
The 12-week team competition begins on February 6 and runs through April 30. Participating teams and individuals can register at www.shapeupri.org. The low $20 registration fee is waived for employees of all participating employers.
Shape Up RI’s team-based weight loss and fitness competition challenges participants to form teams consisting of 5-11 friends, co-workers, and family members in order to compete over a twelve-week period. Upon registration, participants receive a digital pedometer and tracking logbook shipped to their home or office. Shape Up RI’s social networking website allows participants to set goals, track progress, chat with teammates, and compare results with other participants and teams across the state. Using fun game mechanics including competition, points, and prizes, the evidence-based Shape Up RI program empowers people to reach their goals. According to a major Brown University study published in the peer-reviewed research journal Obesity, the average Shape Up RI participant loses 7 pounds in each competition.
In the upcoming competition, teams can participate in one or more of the following categories:

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• In the “Pedometer Steps” category, teams track their walking to see who can accumulate the most steps.
• In the “Exercise” category, teams track the amount of time they spend doing moderate or high intensity cardio exercise.
• In the “Weight Loss” category, teams aim to lose the highest percentage of weight.
• In The “Fruits & Veggies” category, teams compete to eat at least five servings per day.

“Shape Up RI has become an annual tradition for thousands of Rhode Islanders,” says Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Chairman and Founder of Shape Up RI. “It’s important that we all continually recommit ourselves to leading healthy lifestyles, given how easy it is for us to get off track. Once again we are urging all Rhode Islanders to join and take action to exercise more, eat better, and work together to build a healthier community.”

Results from a study co-authored by Dr. Kumar and Dr. Rena Wing of Brown University’s Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center underscore the cost-effectiveness of the award-winning program that has engaged 70,000 Rhode Islanders. The 2009 study, published in Obesity, shows Shape Up RI’s efficacy in producing weight loss in large numbers of people at minimal cost.

Furthermore, studies have shown that employee wellness programs like Shape Up RI are essential to the long-term viability of businesses because they reduce health care costs and employee absenteeism.

For Brown University, and other participating entities, 2012’s program features a number of enhancements, including a newly redesigned social networking website, easier activity tracking via text messaging, a mobile-web application, team photo sharing, bonus weekly challenges, and over 100 special deals and discounts on healthy Rhode Island products and services.

Each participant receives a digital pedometer, a tracking logbook shipped to their home or office, a Shape Up RI reminder wristband, access to the online Team Tracker system, weekly motivational emails with important health tips, eligibility to win prizes, and access to hundreds of free health and educational events.

Employers can find more information about joining the Shape Up RI 2012 Challenge by visiting www.shapeupri.org or call (401) 421-0608.

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