Reducing metabolic syndrome through a community-based lifestyle intervention in African American women

Background and aims: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Despite a higher prevalence of MetS in African American (AA) women, little is known about the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in improving metabolic markers in this high-risk group. This study investigated the effectiveness of a community-based lifestyle intervention delivered by lay health coaches in reducing MetS among AA women. Methods and results: A cluster-randomized diabetes prevention program (DPP) was implemented in 11 churches utilizing a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to develop and deliver the interventions. A total of 221 adults, AA women who were overweight or obese, and did not have diabetes were included in this study. The prevalence of MetS was 42.08% before receiving the DPP intervention and 31.22% after the intervention that represented a 10.86% absolute reduction and a 25.81% relative reduction from baseline. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of being free from MetS at post-intervention in contrast to baseline was 2.14 (p = 0.02). Factors that increased the odds of being free from MetS were younger age, reduction in intake of total calories, total fat, saturated and trans-fat, and dietary sodium. Conclusion: A faith adapted lifestyle intervention held in church settings and delivered by minimally trained lay health coaches reduced the prevalence of MetS in AA women who were overweight or obese. Findings from this study can be used to translate evidence into public health programs at the community level for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Clinical trial registration number: NCT 04082702 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).