Fighting cancer with fitness: Dietary outcomes of a randomized, controlled lifestyle change intervention in healthy African–American women

Objectives. This study tested the efficacy of an 8-week, culturally targeted community-based nutrition and physical activity promotion intervention, Fight Cancer with Fitness! (FCF). Methods. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted in a black-owned commercial gym in a sample of 366 predominantly overweight or obese, healthy African–American women. Results. Dietary quality as indexed by fruit and vegetable intake improved significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group at 12-month follow-up, and proportion of calories consumed as fat decreased in both groups. Conclusions. This individually targeted cancer prevention intervention produced beneficial effects on dietary quality that were sustained for at least 12 months.