Twelve-week lifestyle intervention to reduce weight in Maori men at risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity: A single group pilot study

Two cohorts were identified based on contacts from the community researcher. One cohort was through a church and the second group was through a gym. The groups operated sequentially and were not randomly assigned to the intervention. Each cohort was given the opportunity to adapt the basic 12 week lifestyle intervention. Cohort/Intervention 1: Four activity groups that met weekly for 12 weeks: a) walking group + box fit (moderate intensity) or Zuu fit (high intensity interval training; ZUU uses seven primal and natural human movements for a full body workout: push, pull, bend, twist, squat, lunge, locomotion); b) walking group only; c) Box and/or Zuu fit; and d) self-organising group involving various activities including walking and touch rugby. The self-organising group was able to complete activities at their own discretion. The groups were administered/led by a tuakana (senior mentor) who was also a participant in activities. Participants were asked to hold activities at least three times per week for a hour each time (participants were encouraged to engage in the activities on their own as well to reach the target). The tuakana identified the level of intensity of activities based on participant abilities; participants were able to select intensity level as well. Participants were able to self-select the group they belonged to and hence could involve in multiple activities: walking only= 4; walking + Box/Zuu fit = 8; boxfit and/or Zuu fit = 5; self-organising = 17. The groups had structured weekly activity groups and monthly prizes for greatest percentages of weight loss. Weekly support messages were shared in a Facebook group consisting of reminders and positive reinforcement. There was also a single one-hour weekly session that focused on nutrition, meal preparation and food diaries delivered by the tuakana and a community researcher. Weekly logs of nutrition and activity were provided to participants although these were not used much at all. Cohort/Intervention 2: A kaiarahi (guide; community health worker) worked with participants as individuals to provided education and support on activity and nutrition. The kaiarahi worked with the men in whatever context they needed (e.g., face-to-face meetings, home visits, group meetings, phone meetings etc.). The kaiarahi provided an average of 30 minutes education per week for 12 weeks about activity and nutrition, and set up sessions for the men. All education sessions were recorded by the kairahi to monitor adherence. The kaiarahi was willing to provide more education if desired by the participants. Nutrition information was provided in a booklet as well. It was created for this study and consisted of foods to consume/avoid and recipes.