A community based prevention of weight gain intervention (Mothers In Motion) among young low-income overweight and obese mothers: design and rationale

Abstract

BackgroundOver 45% of American women 20–39 years old are at risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions because they are overweight or obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is disproportionately high among low-income women. This paper describes the study design and rationale of a community based intervention (Mothers In Motion, MIM) aimed to prevent weight gain among low-income overweight and obese mothers18-39 years old by promoting stress management, healthy eating, and physical activity.Methods/DesignPeer recruiters approach participants from 5 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Michigan. The MIM delivers theory-based, culturally-sensitive intervention messages via a combination of DVDs and peer support group teleconferences (PSGTs). The DVD features African American and white overweight and obese WIC mothers who participated in a healthy lifestyle intervention patterned after MIM. The PSGTs are led by paraprofessionals from Michigan State University Extension and WIC providers in Michigan who are trained in motivational interviewing and group facilitation skills. Participants are randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 350) or comparison group (n = 175). The intervention group receives a 16-week intervention on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Participants are asked to watch 10 MIM DVD chapters at home and join 10 PSGT sessions by phone. The comparison group receives printed educational materials. The primary outcome is body weight. Secondary outcomes include dietary fat, fruit, and vegetable intake; physical activity; stress, and affect. Mediators are self-efficacy, emotional coping response, social support, and autonomous motivation. Telephone interviews and in-person data collection at WIC offices occur at 3 time points: baseline, immediately, and 3 months after the 16-week intervention.DiscussionIf MIM shows effectiveness, it could have a favorable impact on public health and community programs. The DVDs and PSGTs will be disseminated in WIC, Extension, clinical practice that promote healthy lifestyles for similar target audiences to make a broad contribution to the prevention of weight gain in low-income mothers. Also, our methodology can be adapted by researchers and community stakeholders to help other low-income populations prevent weight gain.Trial registrationClinical Trials Number: NCT01839708.

Sex‐dependent differences in voluntary physical activity

“…Such an approach is currently being tested with a community based intervention program titled: “ Mothers in Motion, MIM ” that is aimed at promoting increased PA, healthy eating habits, reducing stress, and preventing weight gain in low-income overweight and obese mothers with the notion that such a strategy may confer positive health benefits to the enrolled women and their children (Chang et al 2014). In contrast, exercise programs stimulating PA for boys and men may be more competitive-driven and promote the body-shaping and health benefits of engaging in such activities.…”

“…Given that there are clear sex differences in humans' motivation to engage in PA, this information should be used to help in designing sex-specific programs to encourage PA. For instance, the structure of a PA program for girls or women may emphasize the social aspects in terms of meeting others and providing a supportive environment, such as various background musical options, and may also include discussions of other measures, namely, diet, that can be adapted to promote health and a better body image but without criticizing individual physical appearance. Such an approach is currently being tested with a community-based intervention program entitled "Mothers in motion, MIM" aimed at promoting increased PA, healthy eating habits, reducing stress, and preventing weight gain in low-income overweight and obese mothers with the notion that such a strategy may confer positive health benefits for the enrolled women and their children (Chang et al, 2014). In contrast, exercise programs designed to promote PA for boys and men may be more competitively driven and promote the body-shaping and health benefits of participating in such activities.…”

Depressive Symptoms and Well-being of Individuals with Obesity; Race and Gender Differences

“…The results advocate for tailoring of weight loss programs based on the intersection of race and gender, as a step forward for personalized medicine. Tailored weight loss programs that are culturally sensitive are known to be more effective for minority populations (54,55).…”

A Community‐Based Intervention Program's Effects on Dietary Intake Behaviors

“…The comparison group received printed materials about stress management, healthy eating, and physical activity. Participants were assessed at baseline (T1), immediately following (T2) the intervention, and 3 months (T3) after the intervention and were compensated for each assessment. There was no charge to participants in either group.…”

“…Also, they self‐reported as nonpregnant, English‐speaking, non‐Hispanic white or black, between 18 and 39 years old, between 6 weeks and 4.5 years post partum, free of type 1 or 2 diabetes, and able to walk more than one block without resting or shortness of breath. Detailed descriptions of eligibility criteria and recruitment have been published elsewhere . Peer recruiters who were also WIC mothers invited potential participants at collaborating WIC offices to be screened and participate in this study.…”