Obesity is a growing epidemic in America. Adolescents and adults who are “at risk” or “overweight” are more susceptible to heart disease, diabetes, and ultimately premature death. Most web-based weight management tools on the market classify an adolescent or adult as being normal, at risk, or overweight by calculating a Body Mass Index (BMI - height, weight, age, and gender). Most experts agree that while BMI is simple to calculate, it can misclassify an adolescent or adult as being “normal weight,” “at risk,” or “overweight” up to 50% of the time.

As a result, the Optimal Performance Calculator (OPC) classifies an adult based on BMI plus an additional “two site” skin caliper assessment (tricept & subscapular) and a waist circumference measurement. The OPC then assigns each adolescent or adult to a more precise normal, at risk, or overweight classification based on the personal assessment data . Once a classification for each adult is established, the adolescents or adults can access an integrated diet program (based on the American Dietetic Association exchange system) so they can build a customized diet that honors their prescribed weight loss plan.

Resources Needed to use the OPC

• A healthcare professional (nurse, physician, personal trainer, etc) to perform height, weight, waist circumference, and two site skin caliper measurement (this measurement is optional).
• Tape measure to measure waist circumference
• Height chart, measuring tape, etc. to measure height
• Skin caliper to measure skin thickness at tricep and subscapular (optional)
• Secure OPC access codes from the NWCA so assessment data can be entered and integrated nutrition program can be accessed.
  

Roles of the Assessor
(personal trainer, health care professional, etc) :

• Perform the following assessments on each adolescent or adult: height, age, weight, gender, subscapular and tricep skin caliper (optional), and waist circumference. This should be performed once every 5 to 6 weeks.
• Enter the raw assessment data into the Optimal Performance Calculator.
• Provide each adolescent or adult with a computer generated OPC access codes so they can view their individual assessment data as well as access the integrated activity tracker and diet menus
• Provide orientation for adolescent or adult on how to use the OPC and the science behind the “food exchange” system.

Roles of the Client:

• Familiarize yourself with the personal body composition assessment data and prescribed weight loss plan.
• Use the OPC integrated diet component to develop a customized diet that honors your weight loss plan.
• Utilize the activity tracker to ensure client is exercising for a minimum of 60 minutes each day.