Their photographs tell the story. After following the Real Appeal approach to diet and exercise, Vivian, who works in the Department of Family and Protective Services, and Cheryl, a textbook reviewer with another state agency, have contributed to the more than 90,000-pound combined weight loss realized by HealthSelectSM of Texas participants in just one year. Since its launch in 2016, Real Appeal has offered qualified HealthSelect participants the opportunity to achieve lasting weight loss. The overall goal is to help reduce the incidence of diabetes among HealthSelect participants by changing behavior that can contribute to the disease.
Finding support
Although she tried to make healthy changes on her own, Vivian found that Real Appeal offered the support she needed to reach her weight loss goal. Free tools and resources, as well as the opportunity to share her experiences with a coach and others going through the program helped Vivian stay on track. Today, she is 40 pounds lighter.
“The program provides all the tools anyone could need to be successful” at losing weight, Vivian said.
Not just a diet
Cheryl agrees, adding that Real Appeal emphasizes a lifestyle change. “It’s not a dreaded diet.” Cheryl appreciates the flexibility the program offers. She can eat “real foods” so long as she practices portion control and exercises.
Now 20 pounds lighter, Cheryl enjoys higher energy levels and her arthritic knee pain has been greatly reduced.
*Real Appeal is available at no additional cost to HealthSelect of Texas and Consumer Directed HealthSelectSM employees, spouses and dependents 18 and older with a BMI of 23 or higher, excluding Medicare primary participants. If you are interested in learning more about Real Appeal, visit healthselect.realappeal.com.
Source: ERS News About Your Benefits (April 2017)
