Lifestyle management of cardiovascular risk factors in African American women.

Abstract

African American women have the highest prevalence of obesity in the nation when compared to Caucasian and Hispanic women. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of nutrition education and counseling on weight loss, blood pressure, self- efficacy and perception of power. The project was a 12 week community-based lifestyle intervention program designed to provide counseling and education on increasing physical activity, dietary intake of fruits and vegetables while, decreasing dietary intake salt and fat. The results showed that the women, who engaged in all aspects of the program, were able to lose weight and lower their blood pressure.