Abstract
BackgroundObesity rates are disproportionately high among Latinas living in the United States. Few community-based weight management studies have focused on Latina immigrants living in emerging Latino communities. The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot test a theory-based, promotora-delivered, peer support weight loss intervention for Latina immigrants to be administered in a community setting.We employed participatory methods to develop an 8-week program grounded in self-determination theory. Overweight Latina immigrants were recruited to participate in a quasi-experimental pilot study. Data collected pre and post-intervention included height, weight, fasting lipids, glucose, dietary practices, physical activity and depressive symptoms.ResultsTwenty-two women completed the intervention. Mean age was 36, mean time in the U.S. was 12 years; the majority was from Mexico. Mean BMI was 33; 68% had a family history of diabetes. The intervention resulted in statistically significant weight loss (mean 2.1 kg, SD 2.6, p < 0.001); mean change in weight remained significant when compared with that of a historical control group (-2.1 kg vs 1.10 kg, p < 0.01) but was attenuated at 6 months. Levels of moderate physical activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) and dietary practices improved (p < 0.01) and remained significant at 6 months. Notably, depressive symptoms also improved (p = <0.001).ConclusionsThis theory-based, promotora-delivered intervention resulted in significant weight loss among a sample of Latina immigrants at 8 weeks. Future studies are needed to test the impact of an extended peer support intervention on long-term weight management.Trial registrationNational Clinical Trials: NCT02344212. Registered 21 January 2015.
Highlights
Obesity rates are disproportionately high among Latinas living in the United States
While Latino immigrants often arrive in the United States (U.S.) at a healthy weight, time living in the U.S
Dietary practices were assessed by the Dietary Behavioral Strategies Scale (DBSS), a validated tool developed for Mexican immigrants that consists of 30 items measuring dietary behaviors related to diets lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber [33]
Summary
Obesity rates are disproportionately high among Latinas living in the United States. Few community-based weight management studies have focused on Latina immigrants living in emerging Latino communities. The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot test a theory-based, promotora-delivered, peer support weight loss intervention for Latina immigrants to be administered in a community setting. Overweight Latina immigrants were recruited to participate in a quasi-experimental pilot study. Obesity rates among Latinos are disproportionately high and are especially pronounced among women [2]. While Latino immigrants often arrive in the United States (U.S.) at a healthy weight, time living in the U.S., Geographically, most Latinos in the U.S still live in 9 states that have large, long-standing Latino communities, the proportion of individuals living in other states has been growing [8]. Immigrants in newly emerging communities face unique challenges when it comes to health promotion, including underdeveloped
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