Step One: "Family Physicians"

An AAFP survey found that 60 percent of physicians stated they have problems with their own weight, 69 percent regularly work out and 69 percent identify themselves as healthy role models. To raise awareness and encourage family physicians to become healthy role models, Step One reinforced and supported those physicians who sought to improve their health and the health of their families.

This effort included a research study of members’ personal levels of fitness and showcased family physicians as role models, “How Fit Is Our Specialty?” In October 2003, AAFP President Michael Fleming, M.D., encouraged all AAFP members to wear pedometers and monitor their physical activity levels in a “walk the talk” presidential challenge.

"It is not about how many pounds lost or how buff a person is," said Michael Fleming, M.D., "It’s about making small lifestyle changes that can be sustained throughout a lifetime."

The research study assessed key fitness measurements (including BMI and waist circumference) and self-reported physical activity levels of participating AAFP members. Beginning in 2003, members who attended the AAFP’s largest annual meeting, Scientific Assembly, that year were invited to participate. Member attendees were asked to participate in the study by completing a series of fitness assessments during this multi-day conference, attending core supporters’ booths and completing fitness assessments along the way.

Each year, an average of 5,000 family physicians attend the AAFP’s Scientific Assembly and receive the AIM promotional map in their registration bags. AIM’s core supporters who have participated each year have received high levels of traffic to their exhibit booths and significant recognition as a strategic partner of the AIM initiative. This research study has become a well-recognized AIM activity at Assembly. Over the past three years, more than 3,600 member physicians have participated in AIM’s “How Fit Is Our Specialty?” study. In 2004, 44 of the 55 constituent chapters also participated during their respective annual chapter meetings. AIM seeks to publish its compiled research findings in the upcoming year.