OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the adherence of overweight subjects to a food education program and their anthropometric history from March, 2005 to December, 2007. METHODS: Males and females aged 20 to 59 years from a public university community were included. The group received dietary advice, psychological support and performed special physical activities over a period of 10 weeks. Sociodemographic information, weight, height and waist circumference were collected to calculate body mass index at baseline and end of the program. RESULTS: One-hundred and sixteen 41-year old subjects enrolled in the program; most of them were married (70.7%), had a high school diploma (49.1%), and were females (73.3%). Half the subjects (50.0%) adhered to the program. The defaulters (65.5%) were overweight, with a mean body mass index of 33.4 kg/m². The body mass index of the participants who completed the program decreased from 32.5 to 31.2kg/m², with an average weight loss of 3.9% of their body weight; 37.9% lost >5.0% of their body weight. Waist circumference also decreased from 102.1 to 98.6cm. CONCLUSION: Although adherence was low, the anthropometric history of those who remained in the program was satisfactory, suggesting that a combination of multi- and interdisciplinary actions can be effective for treating obesity.
Patient compliance; Food and nutrition education; Obesity; Weight loss
