Evaluation of the Northumberland Exercise on Referral Scheme: Weight loss, physical activity and differential effects between sociodemographic sub-groups in overweight and obese referrals

Dodd-Reynolds, Caroline; Kasim, Adetayo; Akhter, Nasima; Hanson, Coral

Abstract

Introduction: Exercise referral can be offered by health professionals, to inactive individuals with an existing health condition/risk (for example NICE PH54). Policy and evidence fail to consider inequalities in terms of sociodemographic factors at referral point, or impact on programme effectiveness. We report part of a wider evaluation considering obese/ overweight referrals specifically.
Method: 3,624 referrals (40% of wider evaluation referrals) for overweight/obesity (BMI>24.9 kg/m2) were made from 2009-2014 to a 24-week leisure centre-based exercise scheme in north-east England. Weight-related measurements were taken at baseline, 3 and 6 months; physical activity (PA, Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. A random effect linear model accounting for repeated measures, examined associations of outcome variables and sociodemographic predictors.
Results: Weight, BMI and waist circumference were reduced at 3 (1.8 kg, −0.39 kg/m2, −2.48 cm) and 6 months (−2.2 kg, −0.31 kg/m2, −3.11 cm). Weight-related variables tended to be higher for referrals living in the 20% most deprived areas, those in receipt of benefits and those referred by GP versus practice nurse. Across all time-points, weight and PA were negatively associated with age and lower among females (P < 0.001). PA increased by 6 months, remaining so at 12 months (P < 0.01), and only varied by IMD quintile at 12 months when those in the most deprived 20% reported greatest PA.
Conclusion: Exercise referral was a popular pathway for obese/overweight, resulting in modest weight reduction and increased PA. The scheme did not widen inequalities and demonstrated greatest PA benefit for those most disadvantaged.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: 7th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress
• Start Date: Oct 15, 2018
• End Date: Oct 17, 2018
• Deposit Date: Mar 3, 2021
• Series Title: Journal of Physical Activity and Health
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2018-0535
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2748874
• Publisher URL: https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jpah/jpah-overview.xml