A Community Based Weight Loss Intervention Program in Malay Women-A Proof of Concept

Objective: This study aimed towards assessing the feasibility of a low-cost community-based weight management program among Malay women in Singapore. Methods: Design & setting: A cohort of Malay women who wanted to lose weight was recruited from a local women's organization. Community-based group activities aimed at lifestyle modifications were conducted over six months, costing US$34 per person per month. Participants: A total of 142 Malay women were recruited. Of them 112 Malay women(BMI 29.0 ±5.7 kg/m2) completed the study. Interventions: Community-based group activities aimed at lifestyle modifications were conducted over six months, costing US$34 per person per month. Meal replacements(MR) were provided to subjects who agreed to replace a solid food meal with a shake that was designed to provide all the nutrition with a defined amount of calories. Fifty-nine women chose to consume one MR daily. Main outcome measures: Anthropometric measurements and fasting biochemical tests were carried out at baseline, three and six months after intervention. Results: At three months, women who took one MR daily had a significant reduction in their waist circumference and fasting glucose. At the 6-month period, the group using MR maintained their weight as compared to the group who refused to take the MR. Conclusion: A community-based weight management program combined with MR was feasible at low cost, with favourable improvements in metabolic parameters.