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Effectiveness of Culturally Sensitive Weight Loss Program in Myanmar People within 8 weeks, Yangon
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Effectiveness of Culturally Sensitive Weight Loss Program in Myanmar People within 8 weeks, Yangon

An eight-week culturally sensitive weight-loss program significantly reduced BMI while improving dietary habits and physical activity among Myanmar participants.

Dr. Nyi Nyi Kyaw, Dr. Kyaw Myo Tun | August 4, 2026

Abstract

Effectiveness of Culturally Sensitive Weight Loss Program in Myanmar People within 8 weeks, Yangon.  Behavioral change weight-loss programs have been effective in western countries even though the dietary habit and physical activity changes due to these weight loss programs are indistinct. This study, therefore, aim to evaluate the effectiveness of culturally sensitive weight loss program in Myanmar people and to develop the healthy eating practices in weight loss intervention.  This intervention studied on changes in diet and physical activity level of the participants after 8 weeks of intervention. There are 32 participants in this study. The anthropometric measurement was recorded before the intervention as a baseline and recorded again 8th week of intervention. The participants received weekly face to face interviews with researcher and group sessions. Participants’ Body Mass Index (BMI) changed from 35.23 ± 2.39 kg/m2  to 33.13 ± 2.28 kg/m2 (Mean BMI difference = 2.11 ± 0.57 kg/m2) (p= < 0.001). Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010 score was 40.47 ± 10.73 which improved to 58.13 ± 8.78. Mean difference HEI score was -17.66 ± 15.29. (p = < 0.001). Mean physical activity duration was improved from 75.31 ± 55.94 minutes per week to 152.03 ± 24.29 minutes per week. (Mean difference physical activity duration = -79.19 ± 52.51) (P = < 0.001). In this culturally sensitive weight loss program intervention, there are significant improvement in participants’ dietary habit and physical activity duration. KEY WORDS: Culturally sensitive weight loss program, Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score 2010, Physical activity, Body Mass Index (BMI).

Author

Dr. Nyi Nyi Kyaw, Dr. Kyaw Myo Tun

Published

August 4, 2026

Research Area

Public Health
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