Physical activity within a community-based weight control program: program evaluation and predictors of success.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of adding physical activity sessions to a weight control program in a community health center and to identify individuals suitable for outpatient group treatment with and without physical activity.


METHODS
The study population included 42 overweight women who were randomly divided into treatment groups. Both treatment groups received guidance in nutrition and behavior modification and the exercise group also participated in physical activity sessions. Both treatments included 20 sessions and participants were followed up for eight months.


RESULTS
In both treatments, significant improvements were seen in physical fitness, anthropometric measurements, nutritional knowledge, food consumption, and eating behaviors. Weight loss following three months of weekly sessions did not differ by treatment group. At follow-up there was a trend towards increased maintenance of weight loss in the exercise group, however differences were not statistically significant. Attrition rates were low in both treatments and participant satisfaction was high. Lower baseline BMI predicted larger weight losses, in particular in the exercise group. Other predictors of weight loss included poorer baseline eating behaviors and employment outside of the home. Perceived spouse support predicted continual participation.
Neumark-Sztainer
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D
Department of Social Medicine, Hadassah Medical Organization, Jerusalem, Israel.
Kaufmann
N A
NA
Berry
E M
EM
D000328:Adult; D003151:Community Health Centers; D015444:Exercise; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016896:Treatment Outcome