An Evaluation of a Culturally- and Linguistically-Appropriate Online Diet Program for U.S Hispanics

Obesity is a major and growing problem among U.S. Hispanics with serious implications for diabetes and other chronic disease risks. Current trends among youth suggest that disparities in obesity between minorities and non-Hispanic whites will amplify. Reducing such health disparities is a priority for federal, state and local governmental bodies and communities. Attaining these objectives will require interventions that are culturally- and linguistically appropriate. U.S. healthcare providers, however, have few culturally-appropriate tools and inadequate numbers of bilingual, trained healthcare professionals to address these challenges.

A culturally-appropriate weight-management portal, supported by bilingual Latina dietitians available for remote email counseling, offers an attractive mechanism for efficiently serving the underserved. MiDieta/MyDiet is the leading online diet, fitness and weight management portal for U.S. Hispanic/Latinos. MiDieta is bilingual (Spanish/English), based on Latino foods & habits and already available through dozens of media, hospital, and health plan websites. Thousands of Hispanics access MiDieta each week. Tommy Thompson recently selected MiDieta as one of the "20 most innovative health promotion and disease prevention applications" in the U.S.

Inclusion criteria

• Women and men of Hispanic/Latino origin born in Mexico, Central or South America, the Caribbean, Spain or the United States
• Between 18 and 75 years of age
• BMI >/= 24.85
• Otherwise "healthy" individuals (lack of major medical/psychiatric/ or chronic problems/disease - with the exception of Type 2 diabetes and controlled hypertension)
• Not participating in other weight loss treatment programs and not planning on it for at least 12-16 more months
• Internet access at least once per week
• The participant has the ability to engage in at least light activity (walking, etc)

Exclusion criteria

• The participant has a continuous history of major medical or psychiatric problems (requiring continuous medication and/or close physician supervision)
• Diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes
• The participant is pregnant or planning a pregnancy within the next 16 months
• The participant is unable to participate in any exercise regimen
• The participant is currently participating in MiDieta
• The participant is currently participating in other weight loss programs or plans to in the next 12-16 months