Food security: what the community wants. Learning through focus groups.

We used focus groups to learn the range of issues threatening food security of low income residents in our community. Five major themes emerged from the discussions: literacy, money, time, mental health and self-esteem, suggesting several approaches that could help ensure food security: 1) education, 2) sharing of resources, 3) coalition building, and 4) advocacy. Education programs have to be practical, allowing for demonstrations and hands-on learning while emphasizing skill building and problem solving. Incorporating a social aspect into learning may compensate for the social isolation and would capitalize on the impressive mutual support we witnessed. Strategies based on self-help and peer assistance may counteract low self-esteem and overcome suspicion of health professionals. A community-wide effort is needed to address the factors contributing to food insecurity. We envision the formation of a coalition of professionals, agencies, and low income people to develop a comprehensive strategy for achieving food security.

Weight control in adolescent girls: a comparison of the effectiveness of three approaches to follow-up.

The purpose of the project was to compare the effectiveness of three different types of follow-up of a weight control program in assisting adolescent girls to achieve and maintain ideal body weight. During the initial phase of the weight control program, subjects attended two sessions of approximately one hour each for eight weeks. One session each week included theory and practice of physical exercise. The other session was devoted to behavioral control of eating and diet therapy. After eight weeks, 18 subjects were divided randomly into three groups for follow-up: Group 1--monthly measurements and reinforcement of behavioral, diet, and exercise components of the weight control program; Group 2--monthly measurements; and Group 3--annual measurements. Fifteen subjects completed the 12-month follow-up program. Mean weight loss during follow-up of Group 1 was 3.65 kg, Group 2 was 1.90 kg, while Group 3 had a mean weight gain of 3.44 kg. The results suggest that regular follow-up may be a critical element in successful weight control programs for adolescent girls.