The Hawai'i Community Resource Obesity Project: results from the Lifestyle Enhancement Program.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of a community-based, multidisciplinary team-led, lifestyle modification program on short-term weight loss in a morbidly obese (mean BMI 40.8 kg/m2), predominantly Native Hawaiian population.


METHODS
Descriptive study comparing weight loss over time in intervention and control groups. Of 217 eligible participants in the intervention group, 58% were Native Hawaiian.


RESULTS
Participants in the intervention group experienced a modest yet significant weight loss, while the control group gained weight. The mean 12-month weight loss in the intervention group was 4.1 pounds (1.9 kg). High program attrition rates hindered program effectiveness and data collection.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the weight loss in the study group was moderate, it was significant over the control group whose members actually had an increase in average weight over the study period. Further research into pre-treatment correlates of attrition in this population is needed in order to eliminate health disparities among Native Hawaiians.
Bradley
Stephen
S
Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Waianae, HI 96792, USA.
Beckham
Sheila
S
Washburn
Anuenue
A
D000328:Adult; D003153:Community Health Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior