Effects of Community-Based Interventions in Reducing the Obesity and Overweight Rate Among Iranian Women: Using Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity is one of the most critical issues of urban health. The current study investigated the effects of community-based interventions on modification of overweight and obesity. Methods: A program based on the Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool (Urban HEART) was developed and implemented in 2013-2014. A total of 166 Iranian females aged 15 years or older who were classified as overweight or obese using body mass index (BMI) were randomly selected and gave verbal consent to participate in this study. The intervention was carried out for a duration of 4 months. Results: The mean age of subjects was 43.6±12.2 years. The total number of overweight and obese individuals were 75 (45.2%) and 91 (54.8%), respectively. The mean BMI of the patients before and after the intervention was 30.3±2.7 and 29.4±2.7 kg/m2 , respectively (P < 0.05). Higher education level and greater floor area were recognized as valid predictors for reduced BMI after the intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study successfully represents the collaborative role of the community in improving health status by reducing overweight and obesity. The Urban HEART provided distinct opportunities for presenting the promising results of interventions to health policymakers and managers so they can adjust macro and micro policies for achieving better community health outcomes.