Evaluation of provider-led, healthy weight program for lesbian and bisexual women over 40 in the San Francisco Bay Area

Evidence-based interventions are needed that address the disproportionately higher burden of overweight and obesity in lesbian and bisexual women in the United States. Interventions focused on health and well-being rather than weight loss may be more likely to improve health outcomes among lesbian and bisexual women. Through a clinic-initiated, community-based partnership, we developed the Women’s Health and Mindfulness (WHAM) project, an innovative, clinician-led 12-week group support program that combines mindfulness-based stress reduction, nutrition education, and physical activity.  WHAM targets lesbian and bisexual women aged 40 or older, including transgender women.  Using a randomized, stepped-wedge design, 80 women were randomized to an immediate or delayed start of the WHAM intervention, permitting rigorous evaluation with a comparison group.  At baseline and program exit, participants completed an epidemiologic questionnaire and brief wellness assessment including anthropometric measures and biological testing. Primary outcomes include improvements in physical health (blood sugar [A1C] and cholesterol).  Secondary outcomes address quality of life and improved health behaviors.  65 of 80 participants have been enrolled; 17% identify as transgender, 30% are disabled and 59% reported annual household income of less than $30,000.  At baseline, 17% of participants had lab-confirmed type II diabetes (mean A1C for non-diabetics was 5.8); 56% of participants had high cholesterol (mean=201, SD=42.6). Many participants reported chronic illnesses: 65% arthritis, 59% high blood pressure.  Mean BMI was 39.5 (SD = 9.4). The WHAM intervention content as well as intervention effects on primary and secondary outcomes will be reported.