Community-based programmes achieved good results for most risk factors except BMI and ( glycated haemoglobin ) HbA1c .
INTRODUCTION Although cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) and type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM ) prevention programmes have been effective in urban residents , their effectiveness in non-urban setting s , where cardio-metabolic risk is typically elevated , is unknown .
We systematic ally review ed the effectiveness of primary prevention programmes aim ed at reducing risk factors for CVD/T2DM , including blood pressure , body mass index ( BMI ) , blood lipid and glucose , diet , lifestyle , and knowledge in adults residing in non-urban areas .
The PATHWAYS Church-Based Weight Loss Program for Urban African-American Women at Risk for Diabetes
OBJECTIVE This study was carried out to test the effectiveness of PATHWAYS , a weight loss program design ed specifically for urban African-American women , when administered in urban churches by trained lay facilitators . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Thirty-nine obese women were recruited from three urban African-American churches . After r and omization and the collection of baseline data on weight and lifestyle practice s , subjects in the experimental group ( n = 19 ) were assigned to receive a 14-week weight loss program ( PATHWAYS ) conducted by trained lay volunteers ; control group subjects ( n = 20 ) were put on a waiting list to receive the program at the conclusion of the study period . RESULTS Of the 39 women enrolled , 15 experimental group subjects and 18 control group subjects were available for posttreatment data collection . After completing the program , PATHWAYS participants lost an average of 10.0 lb , and the control group subjects gained an average of 1.9 lb . Posttreatment difference in weight loss between the groups was statistically significant ( P < 0.0001 ) . Waist circumference among PATHWAYS participants decreased 2.5 inches , while waist circumference among control group subjects remained relatively the same . This difference between the groups was statistically significant ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS A weight loss program administered by trained lay volunteers was effective in producing significant and clinical ly meaningful weight loss among African-American women who often do not benefit from typical weight loss programs . Ongoing research is focusing on whether the weight loss can be maintained or enhanced through monthly reinforcement sessions
Community-based programmes achieved good results for most risk factors except BMI and ( glycated haemoglobin ) HbA1c .
INTRODUCTION Although cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) and type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM ) prevention programmes have been effective in urban residents , their effectiveness in non-urban setting s , where cardio-metabolic risk is typically elevated , is unknown .
We systematic ally review ed the effectiveness of primary prevention programmes aim ed at reducing risk factors for CVD/T2DM , including blood pressure , body mass index ( BMI ) , blood lipid and glucose , diet , lifestyle , and knowledge in adults residing in non-urban areas .