HAWC offers weight loss program for Team Dover

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Health and Wellness Center is offering the John and Kate Minus Weight Program to help Team Dover members make lifestyle changes.

The program is designed to tailor a program to each participant's lifestyle, body mass index, dietary needs and more.

"You can't change your body through exercise or nutrition alone because it just doesn't work, you have to do both in order to be successful," said John Walters, 436th AMDS HAWC fitness program manager. "That is why this program is so great, we're going to motivate and monitor individuals and keep them accountable to help them achieve their goal."

As a retired Air Force member, Mr. Walters says that he knows the stressors of the military lifestyle and he wants to prepare Airmen for the new physical fitness test.

"My philosophy is 'fast, strong and lean,' so I will introduce an exercise program that will help shape bodies to become lean, not bulky muscle, and help people increase their push ups and sit ups in 30 days," said Mr. Walters. "When a person loses 20 pounds, but does not lose inches around their waist they're losing muscle. It's not just about losing weight, the fat around the waist is important because it is a predictor of mortality. We help not only to monitor weight loss, but body fat percentage and body fat index as well."

Mr. Walter's portion of the program will address the participants' individual needs to develop a lean, tight and fast body with increased muscle and endurance.

Kate Jennings, 436th AMDS HAWC registered dietitian and nutrition program manager, conducts the nutrition portion of the program.

"You can't pick your genes, but you can pick what you have for dinner," said Ms. Jennings. "You have to overcome genetics to a degree by your habits. We help to create a plan by assessing the individual's nutritional intake through a short survey to help make suggestions for improvement. Our program will introduce the best fuel for a healthy body that includes fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals."

Ms. Jennings' has had 10 years of experience in meal planning, weight loss and proper nutrition. She reviews dietary habits, makes recommendations, and tailors a program to fit a participant's specific lifestyle with emphasis on low calorie, low fat meals and snacks.

"I'm passionate about helping people achieve their health goals and I care about Team Dover members who want to pass their fitness test and be in the best shape possible," said Ms. Jennings. "The goal of John and Kate Minus Weight is to help everyone make healthier lifestyle changes. It's never too late to make that kind of change."


The program is offered to dependents and families as well as Team Dover. To sign up for the John and Kate Minus Weight Program, call the HAWC at 677-3733.