Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective: to ascertain the effectiveness of an intervention program in relation to anthropometric measurements and stage of readiness for behavioral change in women with excess weight. Methods: the intervention group (IG) was made up of 13 women, and the control group (CG), by 20. The intervention lasted 16 weeks, and included the practice of guided physical activity three times a week, and health education once a week. The application of the questionnaire on stage of readiness for behavioral change, and the anthropometric evaluations, were undertaken at two points - before and after the period of intervention. The statistical analysis involved tests of comparison and association. Results: in general, at the first point, the participants in the two groups were predisposed to make changes in what they ate and in their physical activity. However, significant difference was only observed in relation to weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist-hip ratio and readiness for change among the members of the intervention group. Conclusion: the intervention programmed was effective in weight loss, reduction of waist circumference and waist-hip ratio, and in changing behaviors related to the practicing of physical exercise and eating habits.
Highlights
MethodThe increase in the prevalence of obesity found in various countries characterizes this situation as an epidemic and a worldwide problem[1]
In relation to the purchasing power, the majority of the women were classified as being from class C (70% and 75% of the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG), respectively), while the other women belonged to class A/B
The literature indicates that interventions related to practicing physical activity and nutritional guidance with women are capable of promoting changes in the anthropometric parameters, mainly in those related to body mass and waist circumference (WC)[12,13,14]
Summary
The increase in the prevalence of obesity found in various countries characterizes this situation as an epidemic and a worldwide problem[1]. Since the 1980s, the rates of obesity have increased by about three times, in regions such as the Middle East and countries such as China and Australia. Even in countries with a lower prevalence, the rates observed are considered high. It is possible to observe that in countries where obesity affects a large proportion of the population, such as the United States, investments are made in public and private initiatives with the aim of preventing obesity among the young through Special Nutrition Programs, interventions, programs and actions encouraging healthy eating and the undertaking of physical activity[1,2,3]. Interventions geared towards these factors must be undertaken to prevent or reverse the situation of obesity in the individual and populational ambit[4]
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