Effects of a community-based weight loss programme on physical activity levels for overweight adults with pre-diabetes

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a 12-month community-based diabetes prevention program on physical activity (PA) levels among overweight Chinese adults with pre-diabetes. Methods: Adults with pre-diabetes were randomly assigned to receive group-based lifestyle intervention (intervention) or SMS (control) group. Participants in the intervention group attended six group-based sessions (including two 1-hour workshops delivered by a physical trainer) and two individual face-to-face diet counselling sessions during the first 6 months, followed by monthly telephone support during the subsequent 6 months. The control group received text messages containing general health information. Level of PA were assessed by using a Chinese version International Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline, 6 and 12 months. The MET-minutes scores and total weekly minutes spent in vigorous PA, moderate PA and walking were calculated. The MET-minutes scores were calculated and used to categorize participants’ level of activity into “inactive”, “minimally active” and “health-enhancing physical activity” (HEPA) levels. Results: A total of 199 adults (mean age=54 years, BMI= 27.7kg/m2, minimal active or inactive=75.9%) joined the study. After 12 month intervention, the proportion of participants categorized as minimal active or inactive reduced to 53.6% and 61.4% in the intervention and control groups, respectively, without significant group difference (P=0.512). The intervention group showed a significant increase in the self-reported mean vigorous and moderate PA minutes/week [baseline (mean±SD) 129±244 minutes, 12 month 207±261minutes] compared to the control group (baseline 106±242 minutes, 12 month 110±164 minutes, P=0.030). In addition, there were significant improvements in the frequency of participation in moderate PA in the intervention group (from 1.51±2.02 to 2.27±1.86 days/week) compared to the control group (from 1.08±1.86 to 1.13±1.87 days/week, P=0.0121). Conclusions: The group-based lifestyle intervention conducted in community setting can help adults with pre-diabetes increase their participation in both vigorous- intensity exercises and moderate-intensity-exercises.