Healthy Intervention for 3 Tons of Fun

Cape Town-based, all-girl soul singing group 3 Tons of Fun are on a healthy lifestyle intervention based on research by the UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine (ESSM) at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA).

The project is aimed at introducing 3 Tons of Fun to healthy, sustainable lifestyle choices that are not necessarily focused on weight loss. An important goal is to increase their physical activity and exercise - and not only in the gym.

Specialist scientist at ESSM Dr Julia Goedecke is the project manager and works with a team of experts.

Goedecke says: "I have been doing obesity research on South African women for the past 10 years. The idea to include 3 Tons of Fun in an intervention was borne when I watched them perform at Cafe Manhattan in Green Point and was wowed by their energy and positive body images."

In early February, 3 Tons of Fun underwent in-depth testing, which included glucose tolerance, dietary analyses and fitness testing, by ESSM staff. The trio's eight-week regime includes three exercise sessions per week and weekly interaction and information sessions with a dietician.

Goedecke is adamant that the idea was not to promote any kind of 'fad' diet.

"A large emphasis of our intervention is on making healthy choices and empowering the ladies to make the right decisions for themselves. Rather, we want to promote a healthy lifestyle that is sustainable and attainable by all."

3 Tons of Fun are now in their 7th week of the programme, with the final testing taking place on 11 April.

"The response has been fantastic!" Goedecke says. "They were extremely positive and keen to be involved. They have embraced the programme and even look forward to exercising now. Together they have lost 5% of their body weight. However, the main focus is on improving their health rather than on the scale."