The development of individualized nutrition counseling program matched with transtheoretical model in overweight and obese subjects

Abstract

Effective weight reduction remains a challenge throughout the world as the prevalence of obesity and its consequences are increasing. This study aimed to determine the effects of an individualized nutrition counseling program (IC) matched with a transtheoretical model (TTM) for overweight and obese subjects. Fifty overweight and obese subjects who were staffs at the Ramkhamhaeng hospital, aged 19-60 years with a body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m2 were enrolled in this study. They were randomized into two groups as equal. Intervention group received an IC matched with a TTM. Control group received an educational handbook. Body weight (BW), body fat (BF), waist circumference (WC), waist to height ratio (WHtR), stages of change (SOC), processes of change (POC), food intake, and physical activity, were assessed at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after program initiation in both groups. The result showed 45 female subjects were included in the 12-week trial. The mean age was 32.87 ± 9.05 years. The intervention group showed significant weight loss 1.98 ± 1.75 kg at 12 weeks, compared to a 0.17 ± 1.67 kg loss in the control group. There were significant differences between intervention and control groups in BF mass (−1.68 ± 1.78, −0.04 ± 1.62 kg); percent BF (−1.54 ± 2.11, +0.08 ± 2.05); WC (−5.35 ± 3.84, +0.13 ± 3.23 cm); WHtR (−0.0336 ± 0.02, −0.0004 ± 0.02), and energy consumption (−405.09 ± 431.31, −74.92 ± 499.54 kcal/d) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Intragroup SOC was improved in both groups. The POC for the weight management action (WMA) process was significantly different with POC scores increasing by 16.00 ± 11.73 and 7.74 ± 14.97 in the intervention and the control groups, respectively. PA level did not change in either group. In conclusion, the IC matched with a TTM resulted in reductions in BW, BF, and WC, thus reducing likely health risks by decreasing energy intake and inducing positive behavior changes while enhancing the WMA process.