Targeting Metabolic Syndrome with a Pre-Conception True-Couples-Based Lifestyle Intervention: A Pre-Post...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Public Health
• Lifestyle Medicine

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome (Mets) risk is influenced by parental preconception lifestyle.
• Current interventions often target individuals, not couples, limiting engagement.
• Couples-based preconception interventions are rare but needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and adherence of a 10-week lifestyle intervention for heterosexual couples.
• To evaluate a couples-based approach to preconception health.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post mixed-methods study with eight nulliparous couples (N=16).
• Remote delivery of tailored dietary and physical activity advice.
• Qualitative dyadic interviews and quantitative anthropometric/dietary/sedentary behavior data collection.

Main Results:

• 100% retention rate, indicating high feasibility and adherence.
• Significant improvements in Body Mass Index (BMI) and grain intake.
• Dietary improvements observed across multiple food groups; sedentary hours reduced in most participants.

Conclusions:

• A couples-based lifestyle intervention is feasible and acceptable for preconception health.
• The intervention demonstrates potential for improving diet and reducing sedentary behavior.
• Further research with larger samples and longer durations is warranted.