Effects of a community risk factor reducing programme on weight, body fat distribution, and lipids in obese women

All women aged 45-64 (n = 1084) in the community of Strömstad, Sweden, were invited to a health survey aimed at identifying cardiovascular risk factors. Adiposity as a risk factor was defined as body mass index (BMI: kg/m2) greater than or equal to 30 or waist-to-hip ratio (W/H ratio; cm/cm) greater than or equal to 0.82 or both. All persons who fulfilled these criteria for adiposity (n = 208) were invited to an educational programme. Of these 208 women, 31 per cent were willing to take part in the educational programme. Participants with W/H ratio greater than or equal to 0.82 but BMI less than 30 reduced their body weight, BMI, waist circumference. W/H ratio and serum triglyceride levels significantly, compared to the corresponding non-participants. Their triglyceride levels were reduced by 21 per cent. Participants with BMI greater than or equal to 30 and W/H less than 0.82 only reduced their body weight and BMI significantly. It seems justified to pay special attention to subjects with abdominal adiposity when planning for preventive work in women.