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A Small-Changes Weight Loss Programfor African-American Church Members
Melissa M Crane1, Joselyn L Williams1, Chasidy K Garcia1
1Department of Preventive Medicine, Rush University Medical Center.
Health Behavior and Policy Review
|September 1, 2020
Summary
A faith-based weight loss program adapted for African American churches showed sustained reductions in weight, waist circumference, and hemoglobin A1c. The intervention demonstrated success in promoting healthier lifestyles within a community setting.
Area of Science:
- Community Health Interventions
- Obesity Management
- Faith-Based Health Programs
Background:
- Obesity is a significant health concern, particularly within African American communities.
- Culturally tailored interventions are crucial for effective health promotion.
- Faith-based organizations offer a promising platform for reaching this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt and evaluate a small-changes weight loss program for African American churches.
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a faith-placed intervention.
- To determine sustained health improvements in parishioners with obesity.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week group session program was implemented in a partner church.
- Intervention messages were disseminated via Facebook.
- A pretest-posttest design with 3- and 6-month follow-ups was used.
Main Results:
- Participants (N=17) reported high satisfaction.
- Significant reductions in weight, waist circumference, and hemoglobin A1c were observed at 3 and 6 months.
- Blood pressure decreased significantly at 3 months but not at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- A faith-based, small-changes intervention can achieve sustained weight loss in African American church members.
- This model shows potential for effective obesity management within faith communities.
- Further research can explore broader implementation and long-term outcomes.
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