THE PATHWAYS CHURCH-BASED WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAM FOR URBAN AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN AT RISK FOR DIABETES

OBJECTIVE - This study was carried out to test the effectiveness of PA THWAYS, a weight loss program designed specifically for urban African- American women, when administered in urban churches by trained lay fac ilitators. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Thirty-nine obese women were recruited from three urban African-American churches. After randomizat ion and the collection of base line data on weight and lifestyle pract ices, subjects in the experimental group (n = 19) were assigned to rec eive a 14-week weight loss program (PATHWAYS) conducted by trained lay volunteers; control group subjects (n = 20) were put on a waiting lis t to receive the program at the conclusion of the study period. RESULT S - Of the 39 women enrolled, 15 experimental group subjects and 18 co ntrol group subjects were available for posttreatment data collection. After completing the program, PATHWAYS participants lost an average o f 10.0 lb, and the control group subjects gained an average of 1.9 lb. Posttreatment difference in weight loss between the groups was statis tically significant (P < 0.0001). Waist circumference among PATHWAYS p articipants decreased 2.5 inches, while waist circumference among cont rol group subjects remained relatively the same. This difference betwe en the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS - A weight loss program administered by trained lay volunteers tvas effe ctive in producing significant and clinically meaningful weight loss a mong African-American women who often do not benefit from typical weig ht loss programs. Ongoing research is focusing on whether the weight l oss can be maintained or enhanced through monthly reinforcement sessio ns.