Nicole Brown, MS, RDN, LD, HFS, and Robyn Osborn, Ph.D. recently completed their work with the Mautner M.O.V.E. (Making Our Vitality Evident!) Project Advisory Board. The Mautner Project of Whitman-Walker Health aims to improve the health of women who partner with women including lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals, through primary medical care, support services, education and advocacy. Conducted by Mautner, the M.O.V.E. program was a targeted 4-month weight management research study aimed to help women who identified as sexual minority develop a healthier lifestyle. Studies have shown that lesbians are twice as likely to be overweight as heterosexual women and yet research with this population is limited.

In addition to her role on the Advisory Board, Nicole also was heavily involved in both the initial consultations for the research participants in the D.C. and Silver Spring, MD locations as well as ongoing nutrition counseling and educational sessions. She and colleagues worked to develop educational sessions and to support the participants of the study – and her efforts paid off. Their work was very well received.

Says Nicole of her experience with M.O.V.E. Project “The interaction at each of the group nutrition education sessions was excellent. Participants came ready to exchange info, ask questions and then take the info and apply it.  Honestly, it was a joyful experience!”