Improved Body Composition and Health-Related Attitudes: A 6-Week Pilot Weight Management Study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of a theory-based, 6-week weight management and mindful eating pilot program targeting adults in a group environment.Design, Setting and ParticipantsA qualitative formative evaluation, based on previous program outcome data and current literature, was used to inform the design of a 6-week weight management and mindful eating group intervention. Components included lecture, hands-on activities, partner interactions and take-home tasks. 23 overweight/obese adults, 21 of which were female, aged 22-74 years old successfully completed the program.Outcome Measures and AnalysisParticipant outcomes were evaluated by: collecting preliminary and post-intervention anthropometrics via bioelectrical impedance and measurements of health-related attitudes using a Likert-type scale. Informal feedback was continuously collected and qualitatively analyzed for content themes.ResultsParticipants lost an average of 1.7 pounds and 1-inch at the waist and improved attitudes related to self-efficacy, improved health expectancies, and perceived benefits associated with health-related behavior change. They identified opportunities for accountability and participant discussion and reflection as lacking; these missing social support components were determined to be barriers to participant success.Conclusions and ImplicationsOverweight/obese individuals enrolled in a 6-week theory-based weight management and mindfulness intervention improved body composition and health-related attitudes. Participants desired accountability and seek occasions to share and reflect. Weight management interventions in a group setting can further improve participant perceived and actual anthropometric outcomes and attitudes with the addition of accountability components and frequent exposure to opportunities for social support.FundingKendall Anderson Nutrition Center. ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of a theory-based, 6-week weight management and mindful eating pilot program targeting adults in a group environment. To determine the effectiveness of a theory-based, 6-week weight management and mindful eating pilot program targeting adults in a group environment. Design, Setting and ParticipantsA qualitative formative evaluation, based on previous program outcome data and current literature, was used to inform the design of a 6-week weight management and mindful eating group intervention. Components included lecture, hands-on activities, partner interactions and take-home tasks. 23 overweight/obese adults, 21 of which were female, aged 22-74 years old successfully completed the program. A qualitative formative evaluation, based on previous program outcome data and current literature, was used to inform the design of a 6-week weight management and mindful eating group intervention. Components included lecture, hands-on activities, partner interactions and take-home tasks. 23 overweight/obese adults, 21 of which were female, aged 22-74 years old successfully completed the program. Outcome Measures and AnalysisParticipant outcomes were evaluated by: collecting preliminary and post-intervention anthropometrics via bioelectrical impedance and measurements of health-related attitudes using a Likert-type scale. Informal feedback was continuously collected and qualitatively analyzed for content themes. Participant outcomes were evaluated by: collecting preliminary and post-intervention anthropometrics via bioelectrical impedance and measurements of health-related attitudes using a Likert-type scale. Informal feedback was continuously collected and qualitatively analyzed for content themes. ResultsParticipants lost an average of 1.7 pounds and 1-inch at the waist and improved attitudes related to self-efficacy, improved health expectancies, and perceived benefits associated with health-related behavior change. They identified opportunities for accountability and participant discussion and reflection as lacking; these missing social support components were determined to be barriers to participant success. Participants lost an average of 1.7 pounds and 1-inch at the waist and improved attitudes related to self-efficacy, improved health expectancies, and perceived benefits associated with health-related behavior change. They identified opportunities for accountability and participant discussion and reflection as lacking; these missing social support components were determined to be barriers to participant success. Conclusions and ImplicationsOverweight/obese individuals enrolled in a 6-week theory-based weight management and mindfulness intervention improved body composition and health-related attitudes. Participants desired accountability and seek occasions to share and reflect. Weight management interventions in a group setting can further improve participant perceived and actual anthropometric outcomes and attitudes with the addition of accountability components and frequent exposure to opportunities for social support. Overweight/obese individuals enrolled in a 6-week theory-based weight management and mindfulness intervention improved body composition and health-related attitudes. Participants desired accountability and seek occasions to share and reflect. Weight management interventions in a group setting can further improve participant perceived and actual anthropometric outcomes and attitudes with the addition of accountability components and frequent exposure to opportunities for social support.