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Twenty-two percent of all soldiers involuntarily discharged from the Army are discharged for being overweight, at a cost of twenty-eight thousand dollars per soldier (Army Times, 1994). Army regulations mandate that all soldiers maintain not only height and weight standards but physical fitness as well. Guided by this tremendous need, the Psychology Department at Tripler Army Medical Center developed the LE³AN Program to provide assistance to overweight active duty service members through the promotion of healthy Lifestyle, Exercise, Emotions, Expectations, Attitudes, and Nutrition. 
 

The LE³AN Program is a comprehensive weight loss program that focuses on the development of healthy lifestyle choices. Quick weight loss is often temporary weight loss. Participants of the LE³AN program learn about healthy nutrition, behavior modification, stress management, realistic exercise planning, weight management skills and relapse prevention. These components work together to establish a holistic, multi-faceted foundation that will allow for the development of a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle promotes weight loss naturally and enhances physical and emotional well-being. 
 

The LE³AN program is a multi-disciplinary venture and involves the expertise of Health Psychology, Family Practice Medicine, Physical Therapy, Nutrition, Nursing, and Occupational Therapy. 

The LE³AN Program consists two phases: 

Phase I - In the first phase of the LE³AN Program, participants engage in a three-week intensive day-treatment program at Tripler Army Medical Center. Daily groups and classes are held between 0630 and 1930 (Monday - Friday) for this three week period (see schedule sample below). All meals are taken at TAMC and PT is accomplished at the TAMC gym. The LE3AN program is a level III treatment program and as such, the LE3AN Program at TAMC is the official duty station for this Phase I period. For this reason, Command commitment and support for the Active Duty service member's involvement in LE3AN is mandatory. 

Phase II - LE³AN participants learn a lot and make basic lifestyle changes during Phase I of the LE³AN Program. However, true behavior change requires that all participants who complete the Phase I LE³AN treatment participate in weekly follow-up sessions over the next 12-month period. The group support and monitoring of initial changes ensures optimal opportunity for individual success. 

Sample Schedule:

If you are interested in an interview for the LE³AN program, please read through the Screening Query below and determine whether you meet basic inclusion criteria. This is Step 1 of the evaluation process. If you meet ALL of the criteria listed below, please send an e-mail to Dr. Leigh W. Jerome, Director of LE³AN. If you are unable to say yes to each of the following criteria, you do not qualify for the LE³AN Program.   
 

There are six basic prerequisites for admission: 

• Active Duty - All LE³AN participants must be active duty members. All branches of the military qualify for program inclusion. Program admission is limited active duty who volunteer for the program. Priority is given to individuals who hold the rank of NCO (non-commissioned officer) and above. 
  
  
• Medically Stable - All LE³AN participants must be medically stable and able to participate in low intensity exercise (e.g. no limiting back or joint injuries etc.). 
  
  
• Emotionally Stable - All LE³AN participants must be emotionally stable. 
  
  
• Commitment - All LE³AN participants must agree to actively participate in both Phase I and Phase II of the LE³AN Program and acquire command support for this Level III treatment program. No other duty assignments are acceptable during involvement in the LE³AN Program. 
  
  
• Assignment in Hawaii - All LE³AN participants must be in Hawaii in a non-deployable position for 1 year after beginning of the LE³AN Phase II follow-up (no PCS = Permanent Change in Station or ETS = Exit the Service). Additionally, individual who have administrative procedures in process for ETS or who are otherwise unable to complete both Phase I and Phase II of the LE3AN Program will not be accepted as the LE³AN participants.
  
  
• Documented Weight Problem- the service member must have a documented weight problem (over weight rather than under weight) and an unsuccessful history of weight management attempts.