[Evaluation of a program for management of metabolic syndrome in adults with overweight and obesity]

The Chilean Ministry of Health developed a healthy lifestyles intervention directed to adults with overweight and cardiovascular risk factors, called "Program on Healthy Eating and Physical Activity" (PASAF).To evaluate the impact of PASAF on nutritional status and metabolic parameters.We analyzed databases from three primary care centers belonging to a municipality of Metropolitan Santiago. We selected adults enrolled in the PASAF during three years (2007-2009). The program lasted four months and included an assessment of anthropometric and metabolic parameters at baseline and at the end, eight workshops with a nutritionist, seven with a psychologist and 32 sessions of physical activity.We evaluated 526 subjects aged ≥18 years (93% females), of whom 85.6% attended the last appointment for assessment. Analyzing available data, attendance to workshops was50% of the scheduled sessions. Weight, body mass index and waist circumference decreased significantly (median: -1.4 kg, -0.6 kg/m² and -3 cm, respectively). The median weight loss was 1.8% of initial weight and 17.1% of participants experienced a decrease ≥5% of their initial weight. There were significant improvements in lipid levels and blood pressure among participants with lower initial excess weight. A reduction in fasting blood glucose was observed only among subjects who lost ≥5% of their initial weight.The PASAF modestly reduced nutritional parameters. Correction of metabolic parameters was especially effective in less obese subjects. The attendance to workshops was low.