Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating in Latinas

Participants (N=70) will be Latinas aged 18 years and over who report insufficient physical activity levels, insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables, and regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (according to the National Guidelines for Physical Activity and National Dietary Guidelines for Americans). Participants who meet eligibility criteria will attend an online orientation session where they will receive thorough information about the study, including any risks/benefits, study requirements and expectations, and will have the opportunity to ask questions about the study. Latinas who are interested in participating will complete the informed consent process and will be mailed an accelerometer with detailed instruction to wear during the next seven days (until their baseline visit). At their online baseline visit, participants will complete physical activity and dietary assessments and will be randomized to one of two study conditions: 1) the PA and Diet Intervention, or 2) the wait-list control. Participants randomized to the PA and Diet Intervention arm will be given access to an interactive Internet-based intervention for 12 weeks, will establish their goals for increasing fruits and vegetables, decreasing sugar-sweetened beverages, and increasing physical activity, and will complete assessments at baseline and 12 weeks. Participants in the wait-list control will complete the same measures as the intervention group for the first 12 weeks, then will receive access to the Internet-based intervention for another 12 weeks.

Inclusion criteria

Ages 18 years and over; Self-identify as Hispanic or Latino (or of a group defined as Hispanic/Latino by the Census Bureau); Report insufficient PA levels (according to the national PA guidelines); Consume less than 1.5 cups of fruit/day and 2.5 cups of vegetables/day, and/or consume SSB ≥2 times/week; Have regular access to an Internet-connected device through phone, home, work, or their community (e.g., public library, community center, neighbor's house); Are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the course of the study.

Exclusion criteria

Any orthopedic condition that would limit their mobility; History of heart disease, stroke or any other health condition that would make PA or dietary change unsafe.