Abstract

BackgroundSustainable lifestyle modification strategies are needed to address obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. Intensive, individualised programs have been successful, but are limited by time and resources. We have formulated a group-based lifestyle education program based upon national diet and physical activity (PA) recommendations to manage obesity and cardio-metabolic risk factors. This article describes the content and delivery of this program, with information on compliance and acceptability.MethodsOverweight/obese adults (n = 153) with metabolic syndrome were recruited from the community and randomly allocated to intervention (INT) or control (CON). Written copies of Australian national dietary and PA guidelines were provided to all participants. INT took part in a 16-week lifestyle program which provided a curriculum and practical strategies on 1) dietary and PA information based on national guidelines, 2) behavioural self-management tools, 3) food-label reading, supermarkets tour and cooking, 4) exercise sessions, and 5) peer-group support. Compliance was assessed using attendance records and weekly food/PA logs. Participants' motivations, perceived benefits and goals were assessed through facilitated discussion. Program acceptability feedback was collected through structured focus groups.ResultsAlthough completion of weekly food/PA records was poor, attendance at information/education sessions (77% overall) and exercise participation (66% overall) was high, and compared with CON, multiple markers of body composition and cardio-metabolic health improved in INT. Participants reported that the most useful program components included food-label reading, cooking sessions, and learning new and different physical exercises, including home-based options. Participants also reported finding self-management techniques helpful, namely problem solving and short-term goal setting. The use of a group setting and supportive 'peer' leaders were found to be supportive. More frequent clinical assessment was suggested for future programs.ConclusionThis group-based lifestyle program achieved improvements in body composition and cardio-metabolic and physical fitness similar to individualised interventions which are more resource intensive to deliver. It confirmed that active training in lifestyle modification is more effective than passive provision of guidelines. Such programs should include social support and self-management techniques. Continued clinical follow up may be required for long-term maintenance in individuals attempting lifestyle behaviour change. Program facilitation by peers may help and should be further investigated in a community-based model.

Highlights

  • Sustainable lifestyle modification strategies are needed to address obesity and cardiovascular risk factors

  • This group-based lifestyle program achieved improvements in body composition and cardio-metabolic and physical fitness similar to individualised interventions which are more resource intensive to deliver. It confirmed that active training in lifestyle modification is more effective than passive provision of guidelines

  • A randomised, controlled, parallel group intervention trial aimed at improving body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors was conducted in free-living adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS)

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Summary

Introduction

We have formulated a group-based lifestyle education program based upon national diet and physical activity (PA) recommendations to manage obesity and cardio-metabolic risk factors. A randomised, controlled, parallel group intervention trial aimed at improving body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors was conducted in free-living adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The intervention involved 103 participants and resulted in improvements in body composition, blood pressure, blood lipid levels, physical fitness and dietary intake, the details of which have been described elsewhere [1]. The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed description of the intervention used in the study, and to report on the acceptability of the program and the practical implications of applying national recommendations for lifestyle change. Increasing levels of obesity, in particular central obesity, are driving an increase in the prevalence of MetS [3]. National guidelines for appropriate diet and PA are available, but the uptake of these recommendations is unknown

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