Effectiveness of a 12-Day Residential Wellness Program: A Pilot Study.
LaTaya De Jesus1, Ronda R Davis2, Ginelle Nelson3
1Memorial Health System, Belpre Medical Campus, Belpre, OH, USA (L D J).
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
|June 29, 2026
Summary
A 12-day intensive wellness program significantly improved cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and BMI. This lifestyle intervention rapidly enhanced cardiometabolic health, potentially reducing medication needs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Lifestyle Interventions
Background:
- Intensive Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Programs show short-term benefits for cardiometabolic risk.
- Pilot studies are crucial for evaluating novel, intensive interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the rapid impact of a 12-day residential wellness program on cardiovascular disease risk factors.
- To evaluate improvements in anthropometrics, blood pressure, lipid profiles, glucose levels, and fitness.
Main Methods:
- A 12-day residential program focused on plant-based nutrition, physical activity, and education.
- Measurements included anthropometrics, blood pressure, lipid profiles, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and fitness tests.
- Paired t-tests and Hedges' g effect sizes were used for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in systolic/diastolic blood pressure, BMI, and total cholesterol (P < 0.05).
- Medium to large effect sizes observed for key cardiovascular risk factors.
- Improved one-mile walk time, with some participants adjusting diabetes and hypertension medications.
Conclusions:
- A 12-day residential wellness program can rapidly improve cardiovascular risk factors and functional fitness.
- Short-term intensive lifestyle interventions show potential for significant cardiometabolic health improvements.
- Further controlled studies are needed to confirm long-term sustainability of these positive outcomes.
