Effects of the nutrition education intervention on food security, anthropometry, and body composition in women: A randomized controlled trial

Background Food insecurity as a social determinant of health is associated with adverse physical health outcomes such as obesity. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nutrition education intervention based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) on food security, anthropometry, and body composition status. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, an intervention was conducted over months (five weeks) using the TTM among 160 women aged 19-64 years. Food security status, anthropometry, and body composition were determined three times: at baseline, three months, and six months after the intervention. Results In the intervention group, food insecurity significantly decreased before, immediately after, and six months after the intervention, these changes were significant in follow-up time and treatment effect. After six months of follow-up, the intervention group significantly decreased weight (-1.29 kg), body mass index (-0.54), and waist circumference (-3.48 cm). Although differences between the two groups were not statistically significant except in the interaction between follow-up time and intervention groups. Also, the mean of fat mass and total body water decreased in the intervention group and differences between the two groups were statistically significant in follow-up time (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively) and interaction between follow-up time and intervention group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusion In the current study, the findings of a six-month TTM-based intervention among women were positive that revealed to be a strategy that may improve anthropometric and nutritional status. Therefore, government programs that offer nutrition counseling should be prioritized to help the population to improve their eating habits.