Participation rates, weight loss, and blood pressure changes among obese women in a nutrition-exercise program

Since 1985, a black urban community in Atlanta has planned, implemented, and evaluated a cardiovascular risk reduction project. The Community Health Assessment and Promotion Project (CHAPP) was developed to reduce the high incidence of cardiovascular risk factors in the neighborhood's predominantly black population. Based on data from a needs assessment, a community coalition designed and directed a 10-week exercise and nutrition intervention targeted to obese residents between the ages of 18 and 59 years. The intervention consists of an orientation, attitudes assessment, selection of a specific exercise class, and twice-weekly information on nutrition and community resources. The program uses a wide range of strategies, including individual consultations, reminder telephone calls, incentives, and rewards, and free transportation and child care, to encourage participation. The exercise-nutrition intervention was provided to two separate groups. A total of 70 participants completed the intervention over a 7-month period. Program evaluation has demonstrated high participation rates and significant reductions in weight and blood pressures both immediately after the intervention and on 4-month followup. Since completion of this evaluation study, over 400 additional community members have participated in this intervention.