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Weight Loss and Dietary Changes in a Community‐Based Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Midlife and Older Women
Author(s) -
Folta Sara,
Lichtenstein Alice,
Goldberg Jeanne,
Seguin Rebecca,
Nelson Miriam
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.44.5
Subject(s) - medicine , waist , weight loss , anthropometry , nutrition education , obesity , gerontology , intervention (counseling) , zoology , physical therapy , psychiatry , biology
A trial to test the effectiveness of a community‐based program to help women reduce risk of developing cardiovascular disease was conducted in 4 counties each in Arkansas and Kansas. Counties were randomly assigned to intervention (Healthy Hearts, HH) or delayed intervention (CON) groups. The 12‐week (twice/week) program emphasized an evidence‐based heart‐healthy eating pattern and included 30 minutes of supervised aerobic activity per class. Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension agents served as program leaders. This report focuses on anthropometric and dietary changes. Of 96 initial subjects, 85 completed post‐intervention testing. At baseline, mean age was 57.8±9.4 y and BMI was 32.7±5.6 kg/m2. BMI and body weight decreased in HH subjects (−0.6±0.9 kg/m2 and −1.7±2.4 kg) and increased in CON (0.1±0.7 kg/m2 and 0.3±1.8 kg) (P<0.01 for both) as did waist circumference (−2.0±2.1 inches in HH and 0.16±1.7 inches in CON, P=0.03). Compared to CON, HH subjects reported a larger decrease in energy intake (−97±421/day and −419±391 kcal/day, respectively, P<0.01); increased fruit and vegetable servings/day (P=0.04); and decreased sweets servings/day (P<0.01). Intakes of other food groups were not significantly different. These data suggest that this community‐based program was effective in changing dietary behavior and facilitating weight loss. Supported by the Fannie E. Rippel Foundation.