Characterization of a women-only gym’s commercial weight management program in Portugal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0224e.41520Keywords:
weight reduction programs; weight loss; fitness centers; womenAbstract
Introduction: Commercial weight management programs are a valid option for women seeking weight loss.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of a women-only commercial weight management program on body weight and to assess this impact according to body mass index categories.
Methods: During 30-months, 689 women started the program. The program consists of exercise group classes, nutrition consultations, and online follow-up. Anthropometric, health, and food habits data were collected.
Results: Participants were 40.2±13.2 years old and had a body mass index of 27.5±4.9 kg/m2 (40.4% with pre-obesity and 25.4% with obesity). About 55% of participants adhered to the program at least 6 months, losing -2.61±4.34% and -4.05±4.54% of the initial weight, respectively, among women with pre-obesity and obesity. The percentage change in body weight throughout the programme differed according to the initial body mass index category, with greater percentage reductions observed among participants with obesity.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that commercial weight management programmes delivered in fitness centres and targeted at women may represent an effective and feasible strategy to support weight loss in real-world settings. Their implementation could provide a valuable option for Portuguese women with excess weight seeking to lose weight through lifestyle modifications.
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