Nutrition Knowledge Is Associated with Greater Weight Loss in Obese and Overweight Low-Income Mothers

Abstract

Objective To examine if greater nutrition knowledge vs gains in knowledge promote more successful weight loss in low-income, overweight and obese mothers with young children. Design A convenience sample of mothers and their children were measured for height and weight; mothers completed demographic and nutrition knowledge questionnaires pre- and postintervention. Subjects/setting Participants (N=141) were recruited from government and public health clinics and elementary schools. Inclusion criteria for mothers were: family income <200% federal poverty level; overweight/obese; and Hispanic, African-American, or white race/ethnicity. Intervention Eight weekly weight-loss classes emphasizing diet, physical activity, and behavior modification based on Social Cognitive Theory were administered to mothers. Main Outcome Measures Improvements in maternal nutrition knowledge and weight loss. Statistical Analyses Performed Paired-samples t tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, Pearson correlations, and χ 2 statistics. Results Nutrition knowledge of mothers increased in all areas. Participants with weight loss ≥2.27 kg (responders) had greater knowledge than those who did not; however, the actual net gain was similar for those who lost and did not lose weight. Weight gainers only improved in two areas on the test, whereas weight-loss responders increased knowledge in all six. Responders appeared more cognizant of diet, weight loss, and health information. Conclusions Weight-management programs should include a strong component of nutrition education to alleviate knowledge inequalities and promote more effective weight control. In low-income mothers, greater initial knowledge may be more predictive of weight loss than gains in knowledge during an intervention.