Created in 1986 by Don Alsbro of Lake Michigan College, Dump Your Plump is a national, award-winning program. Don, a retired Army Colonel, uses a team approach to provide motivation for increased exercise and weight reduction.

Unlike most weight loss programs, the effectiveness of Dump Your Plump has been scientifically studied with the results being published in a peer review professional journal.  "We found that people reported exercising 46% more after participating. Similarly we found that over 80% of the participants reported eating less fat," said Ann Garcia, Ph.D., University of Michigan researcher. Dump Your Plump is as effective as many other weight loss programs costing ten times as much.

The Wellness Council of Northeast Ohio, a nonprofit organization, began offering the program to local companies in 1994. Over 8000 participants have lost nearly 40 tons while exercising 30 minutes a day five times a week. This yearly contest has been the largest Dump Your Plump national contest for the last three years.

Many of NE Ohio's largest employers have participated, including Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, QualChoice HealthPlan, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Emerald Health Network, Medical Mutual, Parma Community General Hospital, Southwest General Health Center, Mednet, Lubrizol, National City Bank, First Federal, Cuyahoga County, Cuyahoga County Library, American Greetings, Forest City, Spitzer Management, John Carroll University, Cuyahoga Community College, Beachwood Chamber of Commerce, Progressive Insurance, Reliance Electric, Dominion East Ohio, First Energy, Avery International and Parker Hannifin.

Although the principles of the program are simple to communicate, they are powerful in impact because of the behavioral techniques employed to help participants make lifestyle changes. The design of the program uses peer-to-peer education in a supportive team environment with individual and team-contracted management goals and easy to follow rules leading to success. Program results are achieved through adoption of a simple equation: the increased daily caloric expenditure of 300 calories through exercise and the decreased caloric intake of 300 calories through dietary modification.

Teams of four to ten members are formed with a captain attending one training session. Exercise and weight loss results are monitored through weekly internet measurements and weekly results are posted as teams progress toward their goals. Team captains are supported through phone, email and internet contacts.

For their program fees, participants receive a 150-page program manual, an award T-shirt for meeting both exercise and weight loss goals and a chance to win team prizes if every member on their team meets both goals. With an average weight loss of over seven pounds, the cost per pound loss is than any other weight loss program offered. The high participant compliance with increased exercise contributes to the program results of improved health and continued weight maintenance.