Reducing risk factors in overweight adult users of the family health strategy of the Distrito Federal

Objective To evaluate the results of a multidisciplinary program to promote healthy habits on anthropometric and biochemical parameters on participants of the Family Health Strategy of the Distrito Federal. Methods The sample consisted of 279 overweight and obese adults of both sexes divided into two groups: intervention (IG, n=198) and control group (CG, n=89). The IG received standard Family Health Strategy care plus a multidisciplinary health promoting program that included dietary interventions and physical activity, called Set Waist Program. The control group received only standard ESF care. Data were collected at baseline and after 4 and 8 months of follow up. Body mass index, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were assessed. Results Prevalence of obesity (63.3% to 49.4%, p=0.027) and waist circumference (102.2cm to 94.8cm, p< 0.0001) were significantly reduced in IG. Total cholesterol, LDL and HDL-cholesterol were reduced in both groups. Conclusion Reductions in anthropometric measures were maximized through simple interventions that stimulated lifestyle changes. These results suggest that multidisciplinary initiatives such the Set Waist Program can be incorporated into other Family Health Strategy teams to optimize the control of obesity and health promotion. Participant compliance is an issue that deserves further investigation.