Impact of a Real-World Lifestyle Intervention in an Entire Latin American City with More Than 50,000 People

Author(s)

Atalla, Marcio ^[1] ; Pinto, Ana Jessica ^[2] ; Mielke, Gregore Iven ^{[3, 4]} ; Benatti, Fabiana Braga ^[5] ; Gualano, Bruno ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Casa BemStar, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med FMUSP, Hosp Clin HCFMUSP, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Pelotas, Postgrad Program Epidemiol, Pelotas, RS - Brazil

^[4] Univ Queensland, Sch Human Movement & Nutr Sci, St Lucia, Qld - Australia

^[5] Univ Estadual Campinas UNICAMP, Sch Appl Sci, Limeira, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: OBESITY; v. 27, n. 12, p. 1967-1974, DEC 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a real-world, citywide intervention on physical activity and eating habits in a Latin American city with more than 50,000 inhabitants. Methods This was a plausibility assessment of a real-life intervention. A probabilistic sample (n = 1,424) from Jaguariuna (Sao Paulo, Brazil) was assessed before and after a 7-month intervention aimed at increasing physical activity levels and improving eating habits at a city level. Primary outcomes were physical activity, sedentary behavior, and eating habits assessed by a valid telephone inquiry. The secondary outcome was body weight. Results The proportion of individuals achieving the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables increased (18%; 95% CI: 2% to 36%; P = 0.031), whereas the number of individuals consuming soft drinks and exchanging main meals for snacks or junk food decreased (-35%; 95% CI: -45% to -22%; P < 0.001 and -16%; 95% CI: -29% to -1%; P = 0.037). The number of active individuals increased during leisure time (37%; 95% CI: 19% to 58%; P < 0.001), at work (17%; 95% CI: 4% to 32%; P = 0.009), and in the household (14%; 95% CI: 0% to 31%; P = 0.047). Body weight decreased among individuals with overweight or obesity. Conclusions This intervention promoted pronounced lifestyle changes (i.e., increased physical activity and healthier food choices) in the entire city, providing scientific-based evidence on which to build effective public health policies in Latin America. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/02546-1 - Metabolic, physiologic and molecular effects of breaking sedentary time in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a randomized crossover study
• Grantee: Fabiana Braga Benatti
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 15/26937-4 - Studies on physical (in)activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: characterization, associations with disease and effects of breaking up sedentary time
• Grantee: Ana Jéssica Pinto
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)