Package Contents - Adult Facilitator Package
Questions and Answers

How is HUGS different from other "healthy living programs"?
HUGS is a true non-diet lifestyle program. The overall goal of the program is to free clients from the “diet mentality” and promote an independent, non-dieting lifestyle characterized by nourishing eating and activity patterns and self-acceptance. The group counseling sessions are designed to foster self-reliance in the development of a non-dieting lifestyle and provide practical, hands on skill development which enables gradual lifestyle adjustments.

Is training necessary?
The Kit is designed for self training through these features. The lesson plans are all laid out using a facilitative approach which is the most effective method for adult education. You are brought right into the class sessions through the discussions and issues materials in the lesson plans and Audiotapes for Facilitators. Complete resource materials are already developed and part of the Kit. The learning process is gradual and built on program concepts that address the gaps in non diet programs for better health.

What support will I get after I purchase my Kit and license agreement?
A regular update to all licensees is sent out by HUGS founder, Linda Omichinski, that is full of news, tips, refinements, and resources to keep you current. Linda is available for phone or fax consultation (communication costs responsibility of licensee). You are encouraged to network with other licensees by provision of a contact info list.

I'm already thinking of ways to use the non-diet approach in our clinical counseling. What is the advantage of becoming a licensed HUGS facilitator?
The program is international in scope. You can tap into eight years of development and fine tuning that put HUGS at the forefront of the anti-diet, healthy living movement. Our growing international team of health and lifestyle professionals will provide you with a reputable name recognition and network. Quality client support materials are in place saving years of development time. The acquisition of the HUGS program will enable a responsible and cost efficient group counseling outreach to large people and defeated dieters in the population.

Is there a profile on HUGS participants?
Participants are attracted through advertising claims that are based on overall health and self-acceptance and the substantial list of skills and knowledge in the program content (refer to our program brochure for this detail). Our marketing to physicians/other health professional packages point out the same claims as consumer oriented advertising and promotion. We track the source of participants through the Official Registration Form. Here are some of the registration statistics — physician, dietitian or other health & fitness professional referrals (25%); newspaper advertisements/ articles (24%), referral by friend or relative (20%), television /radio advertisements / interviews (18%); personal contact with facilitator, posters/flyers (13%). Most participants have extensive histories of failed dieting attempts, and others come simply wanting to take steps toward achieving a healthier lifestyle. Participants have a wide range of body sizes and shapes and are mostly women between 36 - 50 years - the baby boomer generation!

How do participants feel after the program?
There is a great level of motivation and enthusiasm expressed by most participants eager to continue the positive changes they have made in their lifestyle. Their own words best express the results... "Wonderful concept! Such a relief to see myself starting to move away from a food and weight obsession and seeing that there are other things to life. You seem to touch on all of the many aspects of what it is that causes us to become obsessed or get into the diet mentality. And you've given me some useful tools to deal with getting out of that mentality. Thanks for putting things in perspective and giving me the tools to make positive changes."
"The program and book were wonderful and I feel that my attitude towards my weight, eating style and lifestyle have changed dramatically and for the better. Thanks."

What happens after the HUGS program?
Follow up and a support network is available through post program support groups and/or online support. Staying Off the Diet Roller Coaster is part of the initial participant package. Online support is also available for a nominal annual membership fee. Independence and responsibility for one’s own health is fostered through the classes. Many HUGS groups decide to form post program support groups where Staying Off the Diet Roller Coaster can be used as a discussion piece drawing participants out to lend their own examples. The support groups provides a sense of belonging where members have their own voice and are encouraged to share their experiences with others. The HUGS 10 week program builds the foundation of skills and the support groups help HUGS graduates apply those skills in their everyday lives through discussion of examples of stories of people successfully living a lifestyle without diets.

Post program support is key to long term success since society is still very much in the diet mentality. It takes time for change to be ingrained and natural and Staying Off the Diet Roller Coaster peer led support groups help support and foster this change. Often HUGS graduates together with the support book and online support are well equipped to lead these support groups. This doesn't leave people hanging after the 10 week program. It helps them along the journey and process of making changes one step at a time and it fosters individuals taking responsibility for their own health. HUGS facilitators do what they do best in leading the 10 week life skills HUGS program and peer HUGS graduates do what they do best in taking the concepts and showing group members together with the aid of Staying Off the Diet Roller Coaster how to continually grow in living a lifestyle without diets. Support groups often run once every 2 weeks or monthly for periodic support. Additional more regular support can be found through HUGS online support for HUGS graduates.

Are quality control measures in place?
Program evaluation is a required part of the contract. Pre and post lifestyle quizzes are collected, analyzed and measured. The analysis and comments on the lifestyle quiz ensure licensees implement the HUGS program to established standards.

What do researchers have to say about the non-diet approach?
In the United States, David Garner, PhD, has provided much support for non-diet approaches in his work (David Garner and Susan Wooley, "Confronting the Failure of Behavioral and Dietary Treatments for Obesity", Clinical Psychological Review, vol 11, pp 729-80, 1991). Research in diabetes treatments by individuals such as Dana Armstrong, RD and Allen King, MD also point to the non-diet approach (Obesity & Health Journal, vol 7 No 6 Nov/Dec/93).

HUGS International Inc undertook a study that provided valid and meaningful data supporting the significance of our non-diet approach. The paper abstract was accepted for poster presentation at the 8th International Congress on Obesity in Toronto, Canada in August 1994. The study paper and results are published in the Summer 1995 issue of the Journal of the Canadian Dietetic Association. (Omichinski,L, Harrison KR. Reduction of dieting attitudes and practices after participation in a non-diet lifestyle program. J Can Dietet Assoc; volume 56, issue #2, Summer, 1995.) Click Here to review study.

Recent references supporting a nondiet approach:

Miller, W.C., Jacob, A.V., The Health at any size Paradigm for obesity Treatment: The Scientific Evidence, Obesity Reviews 2001 2, 37-45

Bacon, L, Judith Stern, et al, Evaluating a “non-diet” wellness intervention for improvement of metabolic fitness, psychological well-being and eating and activity behavior, International Journal of Obesity (2002) 26, 854 – 865.

"Nondieting Approaches: Principles, Practices, and Evidence" by Gary Foster and Brian McGuckin in book entitled Handbook of Obesity Treatment by Guilford Press (Wadden and Stunkard eds.), 2002

Are the materials and marketing approaches based on actual use?
Linda developed and fine tuned the HUGS program from many years of hands on experience actually delivering classes. She has her own private consulting practice and work experience in the hospital clinic setting. The authentic quality of advice and consultation from actual experience in business and professional situations is an invaluable asset base for the HUGS licensee. From marketing to hospital administration considerations, most situations have been encountered and solutions determined.

How much should I charge for the HUGS program?
It depends on whether you are operating it as a non profit (break even) or profit based program. For non profit, prices charged generally range from 100% to 200% of material costs. For profit based programs, prices charged generally range from 300 to 400% of material costs.

What are my obligations to HUGS International Inc?
Delivery of the program and purchase of the Facilitator Kit occurs under a license agreement that stipulates the parameters for the required purchase of participant support materials. In addition, an annual membership fee provides for the regular licensee updates that keep the Kit current, supplying the licensee with fresh marketing tools, and includes an annual subscription to HUGS Club News.