Journal Article

Nutrition Knowledge is Associated with Greater Weight Loss in Obese and Overweight Low-Income Mothers

By Klohe-Lehman D, Freeland-Graves J, Anderson E, McDowell T, Clarke K, Hanss-Nuss H, Cai G, Puri D, Milani T

Abstract

Objective: To examine if greater nutrition knowledge vs gains in knowledge promote more successful weight loss in low-income, overweight and obese mothers with young children.

Design: A convenience sample of mothers and their children were measured for height and weight; mothers completed demographic and nutrition knowledge questionnaires pre- and post-intervention.

Subjects/Setting: Participants (N=141) were recruited from government and public health clinics and elementary schools. Inclusion criteria for mothers were: family income <200% federal poverty level; overweight/obese; and Hispanic, African-American, or white race/ethnicity.

Intervention: Eight weekly weight-loss classes emphasizing diet, physical activity, and behavior modification based on Social Cognitive Theory were administered to mothers.

Main Outcome Measures: Improvements in maternal nutrition knowledge and weight loss.

Statistical Analyses Performed: Paired-samples t tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, Pearson correlations, and chi(2) statistics.

Results: Nutrition knowledge of mothers increased in all areas. Participants with weight loss > or =2.27 kg (responders) had greater knowledge than those who did not; however, the actual net gain was similar for those who lost and did not lose weight. Weight gainers only improved in two areas on the test, whereas weight-loss responders increased knowledge in all six. Responders appeared more cognizant of diet, weight loss, and health information.

Conclusions: Weight-management programs should include a strong component of nutrition education to alleviate knowledge inequalities and promote more effective weight control. In low-income mothers, greater initial knowledge may be more predictive of weight loss than gains in knowledge during an intervention.

 

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Date Added
March 14, 2018

Citation
Klohe-Lehman D, Freeland-Graves J, Anderson E, McDowell T, Clarke K, Hanss-Nuss H, Cai G, Puri D, Milani T (2006) Nutrition Knowledge is Associated with Greater Weight Loss in Obese and Overweight Low-Income Mothers. Journal Of The American Dietetic Association: Vol. 106, Issue 1, pp. 65-172. Available online: https://jandonline.org/article/S0002-8223(05)01732-3/fulltext