Behavioral Approaches for Risk Reduction in Midlife Women with MetS: A Pilot Study

Although Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, no studies have specifically targeted high risk, middle-aged women for comprehensive intervention. Little is known about whether specific components of behavioral interventions proven effective in other populations, may work with high risk women in mid-life. The primary objective of this pilot study was to determine the effectiveness of an intensive diet, exercise, biomarker feedback, motivational interviewing-focused intervention for women with MetS. A secondary objective was to examine the effects of selected psychosocial and environmental factors through qualitative and quantitative assessments. Twelve sedentary, overweight, midlife women were recruited to participate in a 12-week intervention focused on use of motivational interviewing and goal setting, specific biomarker feedback measures, incentives, dietary risk reduction education, and increased physical activity. At baseline, women completed a 4-day food log, provided demographic profiles, health histories and physical activity questionnaires at pre/post testing. Additionally each woman provided anthropometric data including BMI, waist circumference, and body composition; blood panels including fasting blood glucose, A1c, blood lipids, and hs-CRP; blood pressure and other health measures, pre/post intervention. During the intervention participants provided daily food and physical activity logs, and self-monitored fasting blood glucose. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of differences between pre/post test data for these women provides an important first indicator of what may be most feasible and effective as we plan interventions targeting similar high risk populations of women in the future.