Summary
Mexican Americans are among the highest risk groups for obesity and its associated health consequences, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
In this study, 154 overweight/obese Mexican Americans recruited from the Mexican Consulate in New York City were enrolled in COMIDA (Consumo de Opciones Más Ideales De Alimentos) (Eating More Ideal Food Options), a 12-week Spanish-language lifestyle intervention that included a dietary counseling session, weight-loss resources, and thrice-weekly text messages. Participants’ weight (primary outcome); dietary intake, physical activity, and nutrition knowledge (secondary outcomes) were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
This study uses 2011–2012 California Health Interview (CHIS) data.
Findings: Of the 109 who completed follow-up, 28% lost ≥5% of their baseline body weight. Post-intervention, participants consumed more fruit and less soda, sweet pastries, fried foods and red meat; increased physical activity; and evidenced greater nutrition knowledge.
A community-based lifestyle intervention with automated components such as text messaging may be a scalable, cost-effective approach to address overweight/obesity among underserved populations.
