Community Church-Based Intervention Reduces Obesity Indicators in African American Females

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the efficacy of a church-based community intervention in reducing obesity related outcomes in U.S. African American females. Methods: Participants (n=383) volunteered for the two-phase 24-week intervention. Phases were comprised of equivalent intervention components; one hour of physical activity, 1.5 hour nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, and social support. Phase I was led by the intervention staff, and phase II by lay congregation members. Measurement of body mass index (kg/m 2 ), waist-hip circumference, arterial blood pressure, non-fasting glucose and daily minutes of activity were obtained at baseline, 12-weeks and 24-weeks. Results: A significant main effect for time for BMI, activity, and systolic blood pressure was shown. No main effect for diastolic blood pressure or blood glucose was found. Interpretation & conclusions: Interventions within a church-based environment may reduce obesity and associated disease risk. Culturally relevant structured networks such as places of worship are important assets when designing healthy lifestyle interventions