The pilot phase of a four-year Temple University study of church-based weight loss programs recently took place at Mt. Zion Methodist Church on 11th Street near Temple’s Main Campus.

Each week, 12 members of the congregation, including the reverend and his wife, met with health educator Jill Coleman to talk about healthy lifestyle changes for weight loss.

The goal is to find out whether church-based programs help reduce obesity in at risk populations.

In January, the researchers, led by Bill Santamore, Ph.D., director of telemedicine research and professor of biochemistry at the School of Medicine, will assess the results of the pilot study and begin the next phase, which involves expanding the program to other churches and bringing in a telemedicine component.

“Churches will serve as computer sites where participants can visit the study’s web site to update their weight loss progress as well as use the web site’s moderated chat rooms, bulletin boards and e-mail,” Santamore said.

Researchers believe that church will play a big role in the success of the program. Biblical scripture is incorporated into the program materials, and participants enjoy already knowing their fellow group members from church.

“Church provides a solid grounding for the black community. If church and the reverend take on a program, congregants know that it’s been sanctioned and is safe. People come to church to improve their lives — why not weight and health?” Coleman said.