Faith-based Lifestyle Intervention Program Reduces Metabolic Syndrome in a High-risk Population

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a two-week lifestyle intervention on risk factors contributing to metabolic syndrome that incorporated a natural environment with spiritual motivation, plant-based nutrition, personalized physical activity, and health education. Methods: The demographic population included forty-two middle-aged and aged participants of African-American or Afro-Caribbean/Other Afro-descent, considered “high-risk” according to clinical cardiometabolic risk indicators. Results: Based on the stratified analysis, 59.5% and 40.5% were of African-American and Afro-Caribbean/Other Afro-descent respectively, with a mean age of 59.23 ± 11.24 years. The paired t-test indicated that plasma concentrations of glucose ( P = 0.043) and triglyceride ( P = 0.002) post-intervention reduced compared to pre-intervention baselines. In female participants, blood HDL cholesterol concentrations significantly ( P < 0.0001) increased compared to pre-intervention values. Conclusion: This research suggests that the Fit 4 You Retreat lifestyle intervention program significantly reduced cardiometabolic vulnerability in this high-risk middle-aged and aged population.