Prevalence of CVD risk factors and impact of a two-year education program for premenopausal women

Indicators of cardiovascular disease risk in premenopausal women before, during, and after a 2-year educational intervention measured prevalence of risk and program effectiveness. Women (n = 277) were assigned to either treatment/education (n = 174) or control (n = 103) group. Many had at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor: high BMI (n = 123); high-fat diet (n = 160); and/or high body fat percent (n = 136). The treatment group was significant for change in calories from fat (P < .01). This study shows that premenopausal women have cardiovascular disease risks that should be addressed, and that nutrition education can successfully change dietary behavior.