Özet:

The increasing prevalence of obesity makes its treatment a challenge, given the primary need for changes on individual's lifestyle. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary strategy for weight loss and lifestyle changes among overweight individuals. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected from the database of a Food Education Program, conducted on a public university between 2007 and 2013. Data from 176 overweight men and women about weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) were gathered before the intervention and 12 weeks later, at the end of the strategy. Information about participants' satisfaction regarding the Program was collected using a questionnaire. Dietary and behavioral changes achieved by participants were also evaluated. The majority of participants were women (81.3%), with mean age of 45 years old (±12), married (61.4%), who had completed the high school (51.7%). After the intervention, the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) decreased from 33.25 kg/m² (±5.79) to 32.13 kg/m² (±5.72) (p < .000), with a mean weight loss of 3.5%. WC decreased significantly in women (from 101.56 cm to 97.99 cm) and men (from 118.84 cm to 112.62 cm). The majority of participants were satisfied with the Program (84.1%). The main change on lifestyle habits was an increase in water consumption and healthier foods (63.1%). It can be concluded that the program had a positive impact on participant's lives and may be considered an effective strategy of food and nutritional education for overweight and obese individuals.

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