Antecedent and objectives:

overweight and obesity in Navy personnel can cause loss of physical aptitude and complications in the development of missions. The main objective is to demonstrate that an intervention based on the promotion of healthy habits for 12 months, can reduce the Body Mass Index (BMI) and improve biochemical parameters in personnel affected by overweight or obesity.

Material and Methods:

quasi-experimental study, correctional, longitudinal, correctional and comparative (pre-test and post-test) for 12 months, with two groups, intervention (IG) and control (CG). The sample included 42 military personnel (n=21 per group), with a BMI higher than 28 kg/m2. It was carried out in two periods: the first period was carried out on board a frigate, taking advantage of its participation during a mission; the second since the end of the mission until completing the 12 months. 18 personalized sessions were held, focused on promoting healthy habits in both diet and promote physical activity. Anthropometric and biochemical dates were monitored in the IG. In the CG, BMI data were obtained at the beginning and end of the study.

Results:

During the first period, in the IG there was a decrease in BMI of 33,71 to 30,91 kg/m2 (p<0.05); Adherence is consistent (90,5 %). After 6 months a decrease in the number of participants (76,2 %) and an increase in BMI with respect to the values of the first half (from 30,91 kg/m2 to 31,82 kg/m2) were observed. A decrease in BMI was demonstrated at the end of the intervention. There is an improvement in HDL-cholesterol (p<0.04) and triglycerides (p<0.029). No significant changes were seen in GC.

Conclusions:

the effect of the nursing intervention based on the promulgation of healthy life habits decreases the BMI in personnel affected by overweight and obesity and improves certain biochemical parameters related to this.