The PATHWAYS Church-Based Weight Loss Program for Urban African-American Women at Risk for Diabetes

Abstract

A weight loss program administered by trained lay volunteers was effective in producing significant and clinically meaningful weight loss among African-American women who often do not benefit from typical weight loss programs. Ongoing research is focusing on whether the weight loss can be maintained or enhanced through monthly reinforcement sessions.

A Church-Based Weight Loss Intervention in African American Adults using Text Messages (LEAN Study): Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

“…The LEAN study incorporated elements common among the studies reviewed, including enrolling African American adults with overweight or obesity, embedding religious principles within the intervention, and utilizing lay health advisors (known as 'community health coaches' in LEAN) to deliver the intervention. However, few studies achieved clinically significant weight loss of >3%, [37][38][39][40] including LEAN. Our treatment fidelity data indicated that of the subset of sessions observed, the physical activity component was infrequently implemented and although the actual weight loss content was delivered adequately, there was room for improvement.…”

Addressing Health Disparities: The Role of an African American Health Ministry Committee

“…A range of services has been offered to parishioners that include screening for breast cancer (Markens, Fox, Taub, & Gilbert, 2002), prostate cancer (Collins, 1997) and heart disease prevention (Oexmann et al, 2000), smoking cessation (Schorling et al, 1997;Stillman, Bone, Levine, & Becker, 1993), diabetes management (McNabb, Quinn, Kerver, Cook, & Karrison, 1997), weight reduction (Kumanyika & Charleston, 1992), and dietary awareness (Campbell et al, 1999). Often, Black churches have collaborated with hospitals, professional associations, university-based researchers, and local and state health departments to deliver programs (DeHaven et al, 2004;Thomas, Quinn, Billingsley, & Caldwell, 1994).…”

The relationship of spirituality and the health promoting behaviors of diet and exercise of African American women

“…These programs established an initial successful track record Melynx & Weinstein, 1994;Pratt, 1994;McNabb et al, 1997). Their long-term success is being followed in a few cases (CDC, 2003;Yanek et al, 2001).…”

“…Some study findings have included positive outcomes from church based investigations (Kumanyika and Charleston, 1992;McNabb et al, 1997), while others have not had such definitive outcomes of the role of the church (Smith, 1989). Smith (1989) examined the role of Black churches in supporting compliance with antihypertensive regimens.…”

“…Churches and health practitioners are teaming to address health issues (Kumanyika and Charleston, 1992;McNabb et al, 1997). This has been done through focus groups, health fairs, and seminars.…”