The goal of this project is to prevent obesity, diabetes and other NCDs in Samoa.
Bulding upon an established exercise and nutrition programme, this project will implement and establish strong and sustainable health initiatives in Samoa and the Pacific Nations in order to address the obesity epidemic and NCDs. The project will involve implementation of various categories of ‘boot camps’ on the main island of Samoa (Upolu) through: a) organisation of daily ‘boot camps’ consisting of 30-40 minutes of intense exercise classes five days per week over ten weeks (4 x yearly) for enrolled participants (at-risk people). Participants will be monitored weekly by measurement of physical status (BMI and muscle fat) and food calorie intake, and upon registration and completion of the programme NKF will provide blood glucose/blood pressure screeningb) Implementation of 3 x weekly exercise programmes for companies to promote healthy lifestyles at workplaces, and c) Roll out of 3 x weekly exercise ‘Nobesity boot camps’ targeting school children and teachers at selected schools, including promotion of healthy food sale (vendors) and nutrition seminars. In addition, the project will build the capacity of personal exercise trainers facilitating ‘boot camps’ in order to upgrade their skills.
12 ‘boot camps’ implemented in Upolu Island and 12 ‘boot camps’ rolled out to Savaii Island, each consisting of 20-30 participants, with more than 270 estimated participants8-12 cm waist circumference reduction achieved per person upon completion of camps24 workplace exercise training programmes of 30-40 minutes duration carried out36 school based ‘Nobesity boot camps’ carried out, with 60-150 children targeted at each school