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Women On the Move through Activity And Nutrition (WOMAN) Study

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

The Women On the Move through Activity and Nutrition (WOMAN) Study is a nonpharmological intervention to increase weight loss and exercise among postmenopausal women in order to slow the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis. The intervention uses group education to encourage dietary change and increase physical activity. Program sessions throughout the year are led by nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and psychiatrists. Dietary changes include reducing fat consumption, and increasing fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, and nutrient dense foods. Women are encouraged to participate in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

Goal / Mission

The goal of the WOMAN Study is to reduce the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis by reducing weight and waist circumference through dietary changes and physical activity.

Results / Accomplishments

At 18 months following the intervention there was a significant weight loss (17 pounds) and waist circumference decrease (10 cm) from baseline. Women in the lifestyle intervention group had significant changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), insulin, and glucose when compared to a control group that received health education sessions. Risk factor improvements were greater for women who lost more weight. Women who were not on hormone therapy or stopped hormone therapy while in the study had greater LDL lipoprotein response than those who stayed on hormone therapy.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
University of Pittsburgh Department of Epidemiology
Primary Contact
Epidemiology Data Center
University of Pittsburgh
4420 Bayard Street, Suite 600
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-624-5447
Topics
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Heart Disease & Stroke
Health / Women's Health
Organization(s)
University of Pittsburgh Department of Epidemiology
Source
Journal of Women’s Health
Date of publication
2002
Date of implementation
2006
Location
Pittsburgh
For more details
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21494228/
Target Audience
Women

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An Evidence-Based Practice meets the following HCI criteria:

  1. The program description includes at a minimum: the sponsoring organization, program goals, program implementation steps, and outcomes that have demonstrated program success in achieving the program goal in one or more localities.
  2. The results from an evaluation of the program include quantitative measures showing improvement in the outcome(s) of interest after the implementation of the program (i.e. increase in smoking cessation, not just the delivery of a smoking cessation program). The outcome measure(s) is/are compared at relevant time periods before and after the intervention or program implementation. Alternatively, the evaluation study compares the outcome(s) between an intervention group and an appropriate control group.
  3. The study is of peer-review quality and presents numbers in a scientific manner; measurements of precision and reliability are included (e.g. confidence intervals, standard errors), results from statistical tests show a significant difference or change in the outcome measure(s), and relevant point estimates and p-values are presented. Note: if the results from an evaluation of a program are presented in a scientific manner and the outcome measure is improved compared to the baseline measurement or the control group but the difference is not statistically significant, the practice is classified as effective and not evidence-based.