Developing an Intervention to Prevent Visceral Adipose Tissue Accumulation

Developing an Intervention to Prevent Visceral Adipose Tissue Accumulation in Premenopausal Women: WISHfit Phase 2

The aim of this study is to develop an intervention that will produce a sustained improvement in physical activity and chronic stress as a means to slow the menopause-related accumulation of visceral adipose tissue in mid-life women.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Resident of the Beverly or Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago or contiguous neighborhoods
• Female
• African American or Caucasian
• Age 42 years or older
• Intact uterus, at least one functioning ovary, at least one menstrual period in the last 12 months prior to screening.
• Sufficient motivation level to make lifestyle changes, as determined by WISHFIT staff.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hysterectomy
• Physical activity > 90 min per week
• Metabolic conditions or use of medications that affect weight of visceral adipose tissue (diabetes, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, weight > 300 lbs)
• Presence or history of major psychiatric comorbidity (i.e. dementia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, alcohol/drug addiction) in the last 6 months
• History of inpatient mental health treatment
• Currently prescribed antipsychotic medication
• History of hallucinations or bizarre thoughts
• Current pregnancy
• Has been told by a physician that it is unsafe to engage in physical activity
• An illness expected to limit functional status or life expectancy, including: heart failure, recent heart attack, liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, oncologic conditions, history or heart surgery, angioplasty or artery stenting.