Nutrition Knowledge Is Associated with Greater Weight Loss in Obese and Overweight Low-Income Mothers - 09/08/11
, Edward R. Anderson, PhD, Todd McDowell, Kristine K. Clarke, PhD, MPH, RD, Henry Hanss-Nuss, Guowen Cai, PhD, Divya Puri, Tracey J. Milani, PhD
Address correspondence to: Jeanne Freeland-Graves, PhD, RD, The Bess Hefflin Centennial Professor, Division of Nutritional Sciences, 1 University Station, A2700, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712.Abstract |
Objective |
To examine if greater nutrition knowledge vs gains in knowledge promote more successful weight loss in low-income, overweight and obese mothers with young children.
Design |
A convenience sample of mothers and their children were measured for height and weight; mothers completed demographic and nutrition knowledge questionnaires pre- and postintervention.
Subjects/setting |
Participants (N=141) were recruited from government and public health clinics and elementary schools. Inclusion criteria for mothers were: family income <200% federal poverty level; overweight/obese; and Hispanic, African-American, or white race/ethnicity.
Intervention |
Eight weekly weight-loss classes emphasizing diet, physical activity, and behavior modification based on Social Cognitive Theory were administered to mothers.
Main Outcome Measures |
Improvements in maternal nutrition knowledge and weight loss.
Statistical Analyses Performed |
Paired-samples t tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, Pearson correlations, and χ2 statistics.
Results |
Nutrition knowledge of mothers increased in all areas. Participants with weight loss ≥2.27 kg (responders) had greater knowledge than those who did not; however, the actual net gain was similar for those who lost and did not lose weight. Weight gainers only improved in two areas on the test, whereas weight-loss responders increased knowledge in all six. Responders appeared more cognizant of diet, weight loss, and health information.
Conclusions |
Weight-management programs should include a strong component of nutrition education to alleviate knowledge inequalities and promote more effective weight control. In low-income mothers, greater initial knowledge may be more predictive of weight loss than gains in knowledge during an intervention.
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| This research was supported by grants from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (grant no. UTA#00-377) and the RGK Foundation. |
Vol 106 - N° 1
P. 65-75 - janvier 2006 Retour au numéro
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