Perception of Obesity in the Latino Population: Implications for Weight Loss Clinical Trials.

Ethnic minorities in the United States have a higher prevalence of obesity, with higher levels reported in Latinos/Hispanics. A qualitative study was done to understand perceptions of obesity and identify factors that may enhance the attractiveness of a behavioral weight-loss intervention in the Latino community. Weight loss trials designed to target the Latino/Hispanic population may benefit by considering the Latino/Hispanic perception of the problem, the barriers to weight loss, and for study participation that may be specific to this population.

Hypertension Improvement Project (HIP) Latino: results of a pilot study of lifestyle intervention for lowering blood pressure in Latino adults.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of a culturally tailored behavioral intervention for improving hypertension-related health behaviors in Hispanic/Latino adults. DESIGN: Feasibility pilot study in a community health center and a Latino organization in Durham, North Carolina. INTERVENTION: The culturally adapted behavioral intervention consisted of six weekly group sessions incorporating motivational interviewing techniques. Goals included weight loss if overweight, adoption of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension dietary pattern, and increased physical activity. Participants were also encouraged to monitor their daily intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy and fat, and to record physical activity. Cultural adaptations included conducting the study in familiar places, using Spanish-speaking interventionist, culturally appropriate food choices, and physical activity. MAIN OUTCOMES: Systolic blood pressure (BP), weight, body mass index (BMI), exercise, and dietary pattern were measured at baseline and at 6 weeks follow-up. Qualitative evaluations of the recruitment process and the intervention were also conducted. RESULTS: There were 64 potential participants identified via healthcare provider referrals (33%), printed media (23%), and direct contact (44%). Seventeen participants completed the intervention and had main outcome data available. Participants 'strongly agreed/agreed' that the group sessions provided them with the tools they needed to achieve weight loss, BP control, and the possibility of sustaining the lifestyle changes after completing the intervention. At the end of the intervention, all physiological, diet, and exercise outcomes were more favorable, with the exception of fat. After 6 weeks, systolic BP decreased an average of -10.4+/-10.6 mmHg, weight decreased 1.5+/-3.2 lbs, BMI decreased 0.3+/-0.5, and physical activity increased 40 minutes per week. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that lifestyle interventions for preventing and treating hypertension are feasible and potentially effective in the Hispanic/Latino population.