A Small Changes Weight Loss Program and Message Dissemination Via Facebook in Chicago's West Side

A Small Changes Weight Loss Program and Message Dissemination Via Facebook in Chicago's West Side

African-American communities experience a greater burden of obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease and higher rates of obesity, compared to other race groups. There is a need for interventions that show promise in mitigating these disparities. The primary goal of this project is to pilot test whether an existing "small-changes" intervention for weight loss can be modified and delivered within the West Side ALIVE churches.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. BMI 25-45 kg/m2
2. Age 18-75
3. Attend one of the West Side partnership churches at least 2 times per month
4. Able to attend in-person meetings
5. Willing to share their experiences on the West Side ALIVE Facebook page

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Blood pressure > 170/90 (self-report or during the WSA screening)
2. Diabetes treated with insulin
3. History of cancer within the past 5 years
4. Pregnancy or breastfeeding in the last 6 months, planning to become pregnant in the next 3 months