The Efficacy of Behavioral Interventions in Primary Care Management of Obesity in African American Women

Abstract

Over 40% of the adult population within the project site were identified as obese, with the majority being women. A gap in care was identified in effective behavioral interventions for weight loss promotion in high-risk populations. Therefore, this quality improvement (QI) project was implemented to develop and examine the efficacy of high-intensive behavioral interventions for obesity management among African American women. The targeted goal of the QI project was to yield clinically significant weight loss amongst African American women at the project site by producing a group average of 5% loss of total body weight. Eleven participants completed weekly, high intensive behavioral counseling visits over a course of 12 weeks with four mandatory face-to-face visits for weigh-ins. An optional group session was also offered during the project. Each of the 11 project participants completed a pretest and posttest on obesity management to assess health literacy where average score improved from 60% (pre) to 80% (post). The targeted outcome of a group average of clinically significant weight loss was achieved by the conclusion of the QI project. A group average of 6% (14.2 lbs) weight loss was achieved and 18% (n=2) of participants were no longer classified as obese. Additional positive patient outcomes included improved health literacy and improved patient-provider relationships.