In a new study from Mayo Clinic, researchers found that weight gain can be prevented and perhaps reversed—even during a pandemic—with the help and support of a person’s community.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people’s lives were disrupted, and isolation increased. And with that isolation came weight gain.
In the study, the team examined the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week behavioral program for weight loss and improved heart health.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the study retained 100% of its participants.
They rated the intervention highly, as they lost weight, lowered their blood pressure and improved health behaviors.
The findings suggest that the peer-led, community-based model contributed to the success of the intervention.
The team says when someone (a health promoter) knows your lifestyle, your community, your language, then they understand your culture.
The researchers note that immigrants often arrive in the U.S. at a healthier weight than the general population, but these advantages disappear over time.
Past research suggests that culturally tailored interventions are needed.
The team says when community and academic members partner equitably in all phases of research and intervention development, that enhances the relevance of health promotion by addressing the roots of health behaviors in culturally relevant ways
If you care about weight loss, please read studies about diabetes drug that can help people lose weight effectively, and these common eating habits may cause too much weight gain.
For more information about weight loss, please see recent studies about the diet that may boost gut health and weight loss, and results showing that these 10 small changes could help prevent weight gain.
The study is published in the American Journal of Health Promotion and was conducted by Mark Wieland et al.
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