Evaluation of a program for management of metabolic syndrome in adults with overweight and obesity

Background: The Chilean Ministry of Health developed a healthy lifestyles intervention directed to adults with overweight and cardiovascular risk factors, called "Program on Healthy Eating and Physical Activity" (PASAF). Aim: To evaluate the impact of PASAF on nutritional status and metabolic parameters. Patients and Methods: We analyzed databases from three primary care centers belonging to a municipality of Metropolitan Santiago. We selected adults enrolled in the PASAF during three years (2007-2009). The program lasted four months and included an assessment of anthropometric and metabolic parameters at baseline and at the end, eight workshops with a nutritionist, seven with a psychologist and 32 sessions of physical activity. Results: We evaluated 526 subjects aged >= 18 years (93% females), of whom 85.6% attended the last appointment for assessment. Analyzing available data, attendance to workshops was <50% of the scheduled sessions. Weight, body mass index and waist circumference decreased significantly (median: -1.4 kg, -0.6 kg/m(2) and -3 cm, respectively). The median weight loss was 1.8% of initial weight and 17.1% of participants experienced a decrease >= 5% of their initial weight. There were significant improvements in lipid levels and blood pressure among participants with lower initial excess weight. A reduction in fasting blood glucose was observed only among subjects who lost >= 5% of their initial weight. Conclusions: The PASAF modestly reduced nutritional parameters. Correction of metabolic parameters was especially effective in less obese subjects. The attendance to workshops was low