Effectiveness of Nurse-led Lifestyle Modification Intervention on Obesity Among Young Women in India

Abstract

Background: Obesity management in young women necessitates interventions that include dietary modification and physical exercise. High-intensity lifestyle modification is effective in managing obesity in young women. Objectives: The study determined the effectiveness of a nurse-led lifestyle modification intervention (NLLMI) on obesity among young women in India. Methods: The study adopted a quasi-experimental pre- and post-interventional control group research design. The study was conducted among obese young women in the communities of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The participants were selected using convenient sampling technique. The sample included 150 women in the study group and 150 in the control group. The NLLMI comprising of exercises and dietary modifications were taught to the participants for 30 min three times a week for 24 weeks. Thereafter, they were encouraged to follow the diet and perform the exercises on their own for the next 12 weeks. Practice diary was maintained by the participants and they were encouraged to continue the intervention through the phone. The participants in the control group did not engage in the NLLMI until the post-test. However, they did receive the same NLLMI after the trial was over. Results: There was a high statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) between the study group and the control group the after 12th and 24th weeks of NLLMI. The study group had a significant reduction in BMI after the intervention. Conclusions: Young obese women may benefit from a NLLMI if they regularly follow the healthy eating habits and physical exercise.