Assessment of Plant-based Program Using Shared Medical Appointment

The study will use a single-arm with participants enrolled in three groups of 15 each (n=45) into the Green Wellness Program: Plants-2-Plate, an established program focusing on WFPB predominant eating pattern in an academic primary care setting. The program will offer 14 SMAs in a period of 6 months. Participants will attend the SMA weekly for 3 months, followed by a monthly SMA for the last 3 months of the intervention period. In the first session, participants will receive information about the program, and establish a health goal to be met at the end of the program. Each weekly SMA will have a nutrition education lesson, and feedback from the FNP, RN and RD after a brief assessment on health, medication adjustment, food choices, and shared ideas and experiences among the participants. At the end of the session, participants will set a small health goal to be followed during the week with assistance from the inter-professional team. The WFPB dietary approach includes vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, seeds, nuts in small portion, elimination of all or most of animal foods, and reduction of processed food. Participants will eat ad libitum. In addition, they will receive support to manage stress, improve quality of sleep, and increase physical activity during the SMA.

Inclusion criteria

• Men and women >18 years
• Either overweight (BMI > 25kgm-2) or obese (BMI >30 kgm-2)
• Diagnosis of one or more chronic diseases
• Own a smartphone or tablet that has reliable interned/data access
• Agrees to comply with all study requirements
• Can speak and understand English

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of cancer
• Previous participant in Green Wellness program: Plants-2-Plate
• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Concurrent weight loss program
• Plans to leave the city or USA for over 2 weeks within 6 months of enrollment