Researchers stumble on obesity prevention
EUGENE, Ore. - Oregon Research Institute scientists in Eugene weren't looking specifically to prevent obesity when they stumbled on a breakthrough.
While studying eating disorders, the researchers accidentally found that a little bit of change goes a long way in keeping the pounds off.
As a freshman at the UO, Cara McGough wants to avoid the freshman 15, those extra pounds many students gain when they eat on campus.
"Especially at school its kinda of difficult because there are so many options," she said.
So she joined an Oregon Research Institute study aimed at preventing obesity.
"It wasn't like a diet," she added.
Which is exactly why researchers think it works.
"I think we may have tripped over something that's a permanent way to make lifestyle changes," said Eric Stice, a researcher at ORI who stumbled on the plan while studying eating disorders.
It was designed as the placebo control. The plan that doesn't do anything.
Students are asked to stop one bad eating habit and add one bit of exercise of their choice.
"Instead of saying, 'Eat 1,800 calories a day and exercise 35 minutes, seven days a week,' we just let the kids decide what they can do to improve their lifestyle, and it seem to work very well," Stice said.
Cara found it easy to skip some snacks and sneak in exercise.
She said by "taking the stairs, parking far away and walking, I started biking a lot."
In research published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Stice reports a 55 percent reduction in obesity risk. He said the key is giving the students control.
"I think people are much more willing to listen to themselves than to listen to some purported expert, particularly with adolescence," Stice said.
Cara found her own way to make lifelong changes.
"I started feeling a ton better," she said. "I guess originally when I signed up I didn't feel 100 percent with my body image, and it just helped tremendously."
Researches are now doing longer studies at the University of Oregon and elsewhere to see if the effects of the obesity plan last.
