Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a public health problem worldwide, and the main risk factor for its development is obesity. The Yaqui ethnic group of Sonora has serious obesity problems, resulting in an increased risk of T2D in its inhabitants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a health promotion program on obesity parameters and cardiovascular risk factors in short- (6 months) and medium-term periods (12 months) in indigenous Yaquis of Sonora. The design is a translational clinical study of a single cohort with prepost intervention measurements in a sample of 93 subjects. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated by comparing obesity parameters, metabolic markers, and physical activity 6 and 12 months with those measured under basal conditions using a paired t -test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The short-term retention percentage was 58.0%. There was a decrease in body weight ( Δ = − 3.9   kg , p ≤ 0.05 ) and other obesity parameters, and an increase in physical activity and improvements in metabolic markers ( p ≤ 0.05 ) was observed. Similar findings were obtained for the medium-term period; body weight loss was also -3.9 kg ( p ≤ 0.05 ). The short and medium-term results of the program showed improvements in the obesity parameters and other cardiovascular risk factors of the participants. These results support the effectiveness of the program and its translation in this ethnic group.

Background The Yaquis are an Indigenous group who inhabit in the state of Sonora in northwestern Mexico. This group has experienced changes in their lifestyle, moving from a traditional lifestyle to a more modern one, resulting in an increase of obesity and its comorbidities. However, few studies have been done in this group. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity and to identify the factors associated with body mass index (BMI) in a representative sample of Indigenous Yaqui people from Sonora, Mexico. Methods A cross-sectional survey with multistage sampling was conducted among adults (N = 351) with residence in Yaqui traditional villages (Vícam, Pótam, Loma de Guamúchil, Loma de Bácum, Tórim, Ráhum, Huiribis or Belem). Anthropometric measurements were taken to diagnose overweight, obesity and central obesity. Food frequency and physical activity (PA) questionnaires designed for the Yaqui population were applied, as well as sociodemographic and clinical history questionnaires. The factors associated with BMI were assessed using multiple linear regression considering the complex design of the sampling. Results The prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity in the population were 36.5%, 35.0% and 76.0%, respectively. Having higher values of the modernization index (β = 0.20, p = 0.049) was associated with a higher BMI, while having a higher consumption of a “prudent” dietary pattern (traditional dishes, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy) (β = -0.58, p = 0.009) and performing a greater number of hours per week of vigorous PA (β = -0.14, p = 0.017) were associated with a lower BMI. Conclusions The prevalence of the studied abnormalities is high. The evidence presented in this study suggests that interventions are needed and more research is required to determine the appropriate components of such interventions, in order to meet the needs of the Yaqui people.

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To evaluate the effectiveness of the healthy lifestyle promotion program for Yaquis (PREVISY) on insulin resistance in the short- and medium-term periods in adults who are overweight/obese and have an increased risk for diabetes. Using a translational research design, an intervention program was implemented in a sample of 93 Yaqui adult subjects. The effectiveness of PREVISY was evaluated by comparing the levels of Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and the Triglycerides-Glucose Index (TyG index) at 6 and 12 months using a paired t-test. Results: In the subjects who completed the program, a decrease in the HOMA-IR index (∆ = −0.91 and ∆ = −1.29, p ≤ 0.05) and the TyG index (∆ = −0.24 y ∆ = −0.20, p ≤ 0.05) was observed in the short- and medium-term period, respectively. Subjects with body weight loss ≥ 10% showed decreased levels of HOMA-IR (∆ = −3.32 and ∆ = −4.89, p ≤ 0.05) and the TyG index (∆ = −0.80 and ∆ = −0.60, p ≤ 0.05) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. A stronger benefit of the program was found in subjects with obesity (vs. overweight) and with high and very high risk of diabetes (vs. moderate risk) in IR markers (p ≤ 0.05). The PREVISY program demonstrated its effectiveness in the improvement of some markers of insulin resistance in Yaqui adults at risk of diabetes.