title: A weight-loss intervention program designed for Mexican-American women: cultural adaptations and results.
abstract: This study assessed the feasibility of a culturally-appropriate weight-loss intervention targeting obese Spanish-speaking Mexican women. This 12-month weight-loss program was based on behavioral interventions previously used successfully with English-speaking participants. Cultural adaptations included: female interventionists, minimal written materials, emphasis on group activities, focus on Mexican traditions and beliefs, and skill-building approach to food measurement. All sessions were conducted in Spanish. The study had few exclusionary criteria, which allowed participation of women with a wide range of literacy levels. Recruitment exceeded expectations, with 47 participants enrolling in the program. Not counting participants who became pregnant during the study, attendance at 6 and 12 months was 62 and 50 % respectively. Mean weight loss at 6 and 12 months was 5.3 and 7.2 kg, respectively, with a mean reduction in BMI of 4.0 and 5.5 kg/m(2) from baseline to 6 and 12 months, respectively. This pilot study shows that it is feasible to develop and implement culturally-appropriate behavioral lifestyle interventions for obesity treatment in Mexican-American women.
authors.affiliation: Kaiser Permanente, Center for Health Research, Portland, OR 97227-1110, USA. Nangel.M.Lindberg@kpchr.org
authors.forename: Nangel M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Lindberg
authors.forename: Victor J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vega-López
authors.forename: Tia L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Kauffman
authors.forename: Mariana Rosales
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Calderón
authors.forename: María Antonieta
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Cervantes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003469:Culture; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000208:ethnology / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017058:Mexican Americans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult