Visual food diary - peer support and better diet quality

• Published in: European journal of public health Vol. 29; no. Supplement_4
• Main Authors: Puranen, T, Salokekkila, P, Ahlblad-Makinen, N, Haggman-Laitila, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.11.2019; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Alcohol; Body weight; Body weight loss; Cigarette smoking; Coping; Diet; Drug addiction; Empowerment; Epidemics; Food; Food quality; Health care; Health care facilities; Intervention; Meals; Metabolic disorders; Metabolic syndrome; Overweight; Peer tutoring; Pilot projects; Prevention; Primary care; Public health; Quality; Quality of life; Smoking; Weight control; Weight loss
• ISSN: 1101-1262; 1464-360X
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.274

Abstract Background Healthy Life -groups are targeted to patients with symptoms of metabolic syndrome, problems with coping or overweight at public health centers in Helsinki. The aim of one-year Healthy Life -group is to give support for self-care and empowerment. The groups are generic, and each participant sets her own goal such as smoking cessation, alcohol or weight management. Methods To create opportunities for positive and empowering diet intervention for working aged population, we have started a pilot study with visual food diary (MealLogger). The nutritionist are coaching the three-month-intervention aiming at improving the diet quality. Participants share photos of their meals with each other and receive peer support. Results During years 2016 - 2018, 445 completed the one-year intervention in Healthy Life -groups. The mean decrease of weight loss was 4 kg (n = 222) and decrease of waist circumference 5 cm (n = 57). Conclusions Since the goal for most participants was weight loss, we decided to offer a modern intervention with MealLogger-application. During year 2019 we will complete six groups (about 100 participants) and we will measure participants food quality, weight, waist circumference, quality of life. The results we report in the autumn. Key messages To manage overweight epidemic, new prevention strategies are needed in the primary health care. Visual food diary enables positive and empowering approach to improve died quality and weight management.