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/m2 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.
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/m2 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.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9616-4
- Authors
- Nangel M. Lindberg, Kaiser Permanente, Center for Health Research, 3800 N. Interstate Ave., Portland, OR 97227-1110, USA
- Victor J. Stevens, Kaiser Permanente, Center for Health Research, 3800 N. Interstate Ave., Portland, OR 97227-1110, USA
- Sonia Vega-López, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Tia L. Kauffman, Kaiser Permanente, Center for Health Research, 3800 N. Interstate Ave., Portland, OR 97227-1110, USA
- Mariana Rosales Calderón, Kaiser Permanente, Center for Health Research, 3800 N. Interstate Ave., Portland, OR 97227-1110, USA
- María Antonieta Cervantes, Escuela Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, México, DF, Mexico
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912