Project HEAL: peer education leads to weight loss in Harlem.
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.
Goldfinger
Judith Z
JZ
Department of Health Policy and Medicine, Mt Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Arniella
Guedy
G
Wylie-Rosett
Judith
J
Horowitz
Carol R
CR
D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D010379:Peer Group; D011788:Quality of Life; D012067:Religion; D015431:Weight Loss