BACKGROUND: Obesity and diabetes are epidemic in the predominantly minority Harlem community. To address them, a coalition of community and academic leaders tested the effectiveness of a peer-led weight loss course. METHODS: The coalition developed Project HEAL: Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyles through extensive collaboration with community members and experts in nutrition, exercise, and peer education. We piloted the course in a local church and assessed its impact through pre and post course weights, self-reported behaviors and quality of life. RESULTS: Twenty-six overweight and obese African American adults lost a mean of 4.4 pounds at 10 weeks, 8.4 pounds at 22 weeks, and 9.8 pounds at 1 year. Participants reported decreased fat consumption and sedentary hours, and improved health related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: A peer-led, community-based course can lead to weight loss and behavior change. The minority communities most affected by obesity and diabetes may benefit from this low-cost, culturally appropriate intervention.
BACKGROUND:Obesity and diabetes are epidemic in the predominantly minority Harlem community. To address them, a coalition of community and academic leaders tested the effectiveness of a peer-led weight loss course. METHODS: The coalition developed Project HEAL: Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyles through extensive collaboration with community members and experts in nutrition, exercise, and peer education. We piloted the course in a local church and assessed its impact through pre and post course weights, self-reported behaviors and quality of life. RESULTS: Twenty-six overweight and obese African American adults lost a mean of 4.4 pounds at 10 weeks, 8.4 pounds at 22 weeks, and 9.8 pounds at 1 year. Participants reported decreased fat consumption and sedentary hours, and improved health related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: A peer-led, community-based course can lead to weight loss and behavior change. The minority communities most affected by obesity and diabetes may benefit from this low-cost, culturally appropriate intervention.
Authors: Ali H Mokdad; Earl S Ford; Barbara A Bowman; William H Dietz; Frank Vinicor; Virginia S Bales; James S Marks Journal: JAMA Date: 2003-01-01 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: Michele Heisler; Reynard R Bouknight; Rodney A Hayward; Dylan M Smith; Eve A Kerr Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2002-04 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: Felicia Hill-Briggs; Tiffany L Gary; Martha N Hill; Lee R Bone; Frederick L Brancati Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2002-06 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: K M Venkat Narayan; James P Boyle; Theodore J Thompson; Stephen W Sorensen; David F Williamson Journal: JAMA Date: 2003-10-08 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: Punam Parikh; Ellen P Simon; Kezhen Fei; Helen Looker; Crispin Goytia; Carol R Horowitz Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2010-02-10 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Kathryn P Derose; Malcolm V Williams; Karen R Flórez; Beth Ann Griffin; Denise D Payán; Rachana Seelam; Cheryl A Branch; Jennifer Hawes-Dawson; Michael A Mata; Margaret D Whitley; Eunice C Wong Journal: Am J Health Promot Date: 2018-11-25
Authors: Miyong T Kim; Hae-Ra Han; Hee-Jung Song; Jong-Eun Lee; Jiyun Kim; Jai P Ryu; Kim B Kim Journal: Diabetes Educ Date: 2009 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 2.140
Authors: Kristie Lancaster; Willie Walker; Thomas Vance; Phyllis Kaskel; Guedy Arniella; Carol Horowitz Journal: Prog Community Health Partnersh Date: 2009