Navy ShipShape Weight Management Program Yields Modest BMI Reduction in Evaluation

Participants in the U.S. Navy’s ShipShape weight management program achieved a statistically significant but modest reduction in body mass index, according to a mixed-methods evaluation conducted at a large military treatment facility in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Obesity represents a major public health concern affecting two in five adults across the United States, with the Navy recording higher rates of overweight and obesity compared to other military branches. The ShipShape program was established to assist participants in adopting healthier lifestyle behaviors to achieve weight loss. Although earlier investigations explored participant characteristics and potential program enhancements, mixed-methods assessments evaluating its overall effectiveness remained limited.

To evaluate the intervention, researchers analyzed retrospective quantitative records from individuals attending the program during 2022 or 2023 at the Portsmouth facility. This quantitative dataset captured participant demographics, completion status, and body mass index measurements recorded before and after participation. In parallel, qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with both program participants and facilitators structured around the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats framework.

The evaluation encompassed 67 participants, of whom 83.6 percent were active-duty service members who self-referred into the program. Among participants with complete measurement records, average body mass index decreased from 35.61 to 35.16 kg/m², representing a statistically significant decline with a p-value of 0.043. The qualitative SWOT analysis highlighted educational content as a key strength, while identifying scheduling and communication difficulties as notable weaknesses. Participants and facilitators noted opportunities to broaden program reach, pointed to threats stemming from negative perceptions, and recommended introducing a virtual participation format.

Based on these findings, the study authors emphasized that while the ShipShape program demonstrated measurable weight reduction, enhanced marketing is necessary to bolster visibility and participant engagement. Addressing prevailing negative perceptions and incorporating virtual delivery options were identified as crucial avenues for expanding accessibility. The authors recommended that future evaluations investigate ShipShape across multiple military treatment facilities to assess long-term sustainability, generalize outcomes, and incorporate more comprehensive evaluations to support program success.

Subject of Research: Evaluation of the U.S. Navy ShipShape weight management program

Article Title: A mixed-methods evaluation of shipshape program at a large military treatment facility: outcomes and strategic insights

Article References: Maye, N. N., Nazaruk, D. A., Mase, W. A., Hansen, A. R., & James, C. R. (2026). A mixed-methods evaluation of shipshape program at a large military treatment facility: outcomes and strategic insights. BMC Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-30013-8

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-30013-8

Keywords: ShipShape program, military health, obesity, weight loss, body mass index, mixed-methods evaluation, military treatment facility, health behavior, mixed-methods, evaluation, shipshape, program