[Impact of the Steps for health program in patients with overweight and obesity].

BACKGROUND

It has been documented the impact of obesity, specially central obesity on the development of cardiovascular diseases. Educational strategies seek to strengthen non-pharmacological treatment for this disease through interventions.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of the Steps for Health (Pasos por la salud) program on patients with overweight and obesity.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A longitudinal, prospective, observational study was conducted in patients with overweight and obesity, assigned to Family Medicine Unit No. 75 of Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS), from September 2023 to March 2024, with a non-probability convenience sample which included participants of the Steps for Health educational strategy. Pregnant women and patients with psychomotor disabilities were excluded. Somatometric, clinical, and biochemical measurements were taken at the beginning and end of the strategy. Physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

RESULTS

A positive impact of the intervention was achieved. The mean age was 60 years; women predominated; they were were married; they had a primary school education; 20% had a history of diabetes and hypertension. There was increased physical activity (p = 0.02), decreased anthropometric values (p = 0.01), improved blood pressure (p = 0.03), glucose control (p = 0.03), reduced triglycerides (p = 0.007), and increased HDL (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The Steps for Health educational strategy had a positive impact.