Refining a Church-Based Lifestyle Intervention Targeting African-American Adults at Risk for Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Pilot Study

34 African American adults (mean age 56.1 ± 11 years, 73.5% female, BMI 36.7 ± 6.6 kg/m2) at risk for cardiometabolic diseases, based in Nashville, Tennessee. Key inclusion criteria: ≥21 years of age, self-defined as African American, English speaking, and BMI > 25 kg/m2. Key exclusion criteria: cancer, conditions precluding exercise, unintentional weight loss >5 lbs in previous 3 months, pregnancy/lactation, inflammation-related conditions, and psychiatric illness.

12 weekly small group sessions (half an hour each for nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness stress reduction practice) led by a registered dietitian, a physical activity trainer, and a psychologist, incorporating focus groups and interactive techniques.

Pre- and post-changes in blood lipids, HbA1c, body weight/BMI, and % body fat at the end of the 12 weekly sessionssurrogate