Peter Hajek1, Kirsty Humphrey, Hayden McRobbie. 1. Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, London, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Two pilot studies were undertaken to assess the efficacy and potential reach of a weight management programme in two inner-city areas of East London. METHODS: The programme provides a 6 weekly group sessions combining a task-based cognitive-behavioural intervention with interactive group support to increase client engagement and retention. Treatment outcome was assessed at end of treatment and at 2 and 3 months by objective markers including pedometer readings, improvements in knowledge of healthy eating, and weight change. RESULTS: A total of 162 people (mean BMI 35 kg/m(2)) participated. Forty-one started the first pilot and 21 (51%) completed it, losing on average 3.0 kg. In the second pilot 121 participants started the course and 75 (62%) completed it, losing on average 2.6 kg. A total of 62 and 39 participants completed 2- and 3-month follow-up, with average weight loss of 3.8 and 4.5 kg. There were significant increases in mean daily pedometer readings and improvements in objectively assessed knowledge of caloric intake. CONCLUSIONS: A task-based lifestyle-modification programme complemented by social support proved attractive to inner-city residents and generated significant short-term effects comparable to those achieved by intensive interventions with more traditional target groups. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
OBJECTIVE: Two pilot studies were undertaken to assess the efficacy and potential reach of a weight management programme in two inner-city areas of East London. METHODS: The programme provides a 6 weekly group sessions combining a task-based cognitive-behavioural intervention with interactive group support to increase client engagement and retention. Treatment outcome was assessed at end of treatment and at 2 and 3 months by objective markers including pedometer readings, improvements in knowledge of healthy eating, and weight change. RESULTS: A total of 162 people (mean BMI 35 kg/m(2)) participated. Forty-one started the first pilot and 21 (51%) completed it, losing on average 3.0 kg. In the second pilot 121 participants started the course and 75 (62%) completed it, losing on average 2.6 kg. A total of 62 and 39 participants completed 2- and 3-month follow-up, with average weight loss of 3.8 and 4.5 kg. There were significant increases in mean daily pedometer readings and improvements in objectively assessed knowledge of caloric intake. CONCLUSIONS: A task-based lifestyle-modification programme complemented by social support proved attractive to inner-city residents and generated significant short-term effects comparable to those achieved by intensive interventions with more traditional target groups. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.