Community As Partner Model to assess obesity prevention efforts in a college population

Obesity rates in the U.S have increased dramatically over the last 30 years, leading to a rise in preventable diseases including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Overweight young adults are at risk of becoming obese adults, which increases their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. There is little published data pertaining to college obesity prevention efforts. The Community as Partner Model (CAP) provides a useful approach to assess a college population regarding primary and secondary weight gain prevention efforts. The CAP also fosters a partnership between a college community and the advanced practice public health nurse that addresses the community assessment, analysis, and health plan targeting obesity prevention efforts. The population assessment of this young adult community is a unique approach in identifying current factors associated with a student's potential for weight gain. Prevention efforts, based on a thorough community assessment, can help public health program planners develop targeted, specific strategies to reduce weight gain and the diseases related to excess weight. In addition, the use of the CAP and the partnership it fosters between the healthcare system and the college community, allows for the identification of available community resources necessary to promote health and prevent chronic diseases related to weight gain.