[Evaluation of a nutrition education and physical activity intervention in Chilean low socioeconomic women].

The objective of the study was to assess a nutrition education and physical activity intervention to decrease obesity changing food habits and increasing physical activity in low socioeconomic women. Four groups were selected and followed-up during six months: one was intervened with food education and physical activity (group A); another with food education (group B); a third with physical activity (group C), and a control group. Three nutrition education workshops were carried out with community leaders and nutritionists, and three times per week physical activity sessions were performed. Anthropometric measurements and food and physical activity surveys were carried out before and after the intervention. Obesity increased in group A, but decreased 10% in the other two intervened groups (B and C), and total fatty mass decreased in group B. In the control group, obesity did not change but total fatty mass increased. Attendance to physical activity sessions was poor, with negative results in the nutritional impact in the physical activity intervened groups (B and C). We conclude that obesity was reduced in 10% in groups B and C; total fatty mass was reduced in group B and increased in the control group. Healthy diet and physical activity habits improved in the three intervened groups. With these results, an intervention program in nutrition education and physical activity can be available for future community interventions in low socioeconomic women.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes