RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Assess impact of multimodality weight gain prevention intervention. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial among 39 overweight young Puerto Rico college students using 10 weekly peer-support sessions promoting dietary, physical activity, and other lifestyle changes enhanced by stress-reduction and mindfulness approaches. Body mass index (BMI) and self-reported behaviors were measured at baseline and at 10 weeks and 6 months after baseline. RESULTS: At the completion of the intervention, BMIs in the experimental arm were 0.8 units lower than at baseline (zâ¯=â¯-3.0; Pâ¯=â¯.008) and 1.2 lower at 6 months after baseline (zâ¯=â¯-4.1; P < .001); BMIs in the control arm were 0.7 higher (zâ¯=â¯2.7; Pâ¯=â¯.02) at 10 weeks and 0.8 higher at 6 months (zâ¯=â¯3.1; Pâ¯=â¯.005). Groupâ¯×â¯time interaction confirmed that BMI differed significantly over time between arms (χ2â¯=â¯26.9; degrees of freedomâ¯=â¯2; P < .001). Analysis of behavioral changes was mostly inconclusive although the experimental arm reported a considerable increase in walking at 10 weeks. Qualitative data suggested that yoga and mindfulness components were particularly useful for motivating participants to maintain healthier lifestyle patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Body mass index in the experimental arm decreased at the end of intervention and was maintained at 6 months' follow-up.