Effectiveness of a physical activity and weight loss intervention for middle-aged women: healthy bodies, healthy hearts randomized trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and remains highly prevalent in middle-aged women.

Objective

We hypothesized that an interventionist-led (IL), primary-care-based physical activity (PA) and weight loss intervention would increase PA levels and decrease weight to a greater degree than a self-guided (SG) program.

Design

We conducted a randomized trial.

Participants

Ninety-nine inactive women aged 45-65 years and with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) were recruited from three primary care clinics.

Interventions

The interventionist-led (IL) group (n = 49) had 12 weekly sessions of 30 min discussions with 30 min of moderate-intensity PA. The self-guided (SG) group (n = 50) received a manual for independent use.

Main me

SUBMITTER: Conroy MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4314485 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature