The Healthy U program is a 10 – 12 week program that encourages participants to develop behaviors that will contribute to a lifetime of health. Each participant sets personal goals and tracks their progress towards goal achievement. Participants enroll in the program as individuals or in small groups within 1 of 3 different categories depending on their interests. There is a high energy track, where participants focus on increasing their exercise and boosting their fitness level; weight loss track, where participants focus their efforts on a healthy weight loss through building good nutritional habits and exercise; and a healthy choices track, where participants attempt to maintain or improve their current level of fitness while improving their health. Baseline data is gathered at the beginning of the program and at monthly intervals throughout the program. Individuals and groups compete with one another to accrue points that are awarded for developing healthy behaviors including, exercising, eating 5 fruits and vegetables a day, drinking eight glasses of water each day, attending educational sessions and taking part in a variety of other health improving activities. Prizes are awarded throughout the competition and at its end to those individuals and teams who have the highest point totals.

Research is an essential component of the program. Data is collected both to improve the program and to monitor the changes in health linked to participation. A longitudinal study is being done on participants. Weight, % body fat, and blood pressure are recorded and participants are asked to complete pre and post surveys that focus on motivational factors as well health perceptions. Before and after participation data will be compared in order to assess the value of the program and provide longitudinal data on participants as a group.