Effects of Lifestyle Modification Education on Prevalence of General and Central Obesity in Adults: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, Iran

Few studies have used lifestyle modification to prevent obesity at the community level. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of lifestyle modification education on the prevalence of general and central obesity in adults. We studied 3270 men (1205 and 2065 individuals in the intervention and control groups، respectively) and 4464 women (1670 and 2794 individuals in the intervention and control groups، respectively). They participated in Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study during 1999-2011. Demographic characteristics، behavioral habits، and obesity status of the participants were assessed through four cross-sectional surveys with 3-year intervals. The intervention included education for improving diet and physical activity and decreasing smoking through counseling، lectures، and publications. The mean age of men and women was 44. 2 ± 14. 9 and 42. 1±13. 7 years، respectively. During a median follow-up of 9. 9 years، the intervention had no significant impact on the odds of becoming obese in non-obese men and women. However، it resulted in 0. 27 and 0. 38 decreases in the odds of continuing to be obese in obese men and women، respectively. The changes were only significant in women (P = 0. 003). In addition، the intervention reduced the odds of central obesity by 0. 34 in the women with central obesity (P = 0. 002). However، it had no significant effects on central obesity among other participants. Population-based interventions can be beneficial in reducing the prevalence of general and central obesity in adults. These effects are stronger in women than in men. Thus، implementing interventional programs among non-obese individuals is necessary.