Community-led Intervention to Improve Health for Individuals living with Obesity in Under-served Communities

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a growing problem, especially for economically disadvantaged ethnic minorities. This study reports a formative evaluation of bio-psycho-social impacts of a 12-week lifestyle change and weight loss intervention led by a community-based NGO in alliance with a primary healthcare organization in New Zealand’s largest city.METHODS: BBM, steeped in indigenous models of holistic health, used social media to recruit 109 (predominantly Māori and Pacific) individuals living with obesity across 3 cohorts, participating in 2 days exercise and 1 day nutrition/dietary training weekly. Repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were conducted on measures of body weight, depressive symptoms, HbA1c, blood pressure, and self-reported exercise and eating taken at the programme’s start and end. Ten Talanoa (group discussions) gathered detailed accounts of experiences in the programme.RESULTS: Analysis of the 57% of participants who completed pre/post assessments showed significant weight loss (7.1 kgs from 180.1 initial weight), and substantial improvements in mental health, with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) decreasing from 65% showing depressive symptoms at start to only 20% on completion. There were also statistically significant improvements in Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, and on self-reported fast food/soft drinks intake. Talanoa revealed that the programme provided a safe space for participants to thrive, and impacted on physical and mental wellbeing.CONCLUSIONS: BBM engaged participants living with obesity towards healthier lifestyles through the support of peer trainers well-versed in holistically working through ethnic minority life experiences in obesogenic environments. Community-led health interventions partnered with mainstream health professionals show promise for long-term weight loss.