Results of an integral lifestyle modification program to reduce weight among overweight and obese women

Background: In Chile, the Ministry of Health implemented an integral therapeutic program to reduce cardiovascular risk and increase physical activity (PA) among the population. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of the program in a group of overweight or obese adult women with a family history of Type 2 Diabetes and/or prehypertensive and/or prediabetes. Material and Methods: A group of 128 women aged 35 ± 10 years with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 33 kg/m2 were invited to participate in a program that lasted four months and included PA sessions and workshops with psychologists and nutritionists. Weight and waist circumference were measured at baseline and at four and six months of follow up. The blood glucose was measured at baseline and at 4 months, only in the affected income. Results: At four months the reduction in weight and waist circumference observed, was around 2%, and at 6 months the reductions was around 3%. The largest reductions were observed at 6 months in obese patients ≥ 40 years. Women that were more compliant with PA sessions had a greater weight reduction. The blood glucose levels decreased significantly independent of the reduction of anthropometric parameters. Conclusions: The program is considered successful to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and increase the practice of PA. The intervention was especially effective in patients > 40 years possibly due to higher food education, maturity and responsibility to the intervention.