The Effect of a Behavioral Weight-Loss Intervention on Depressive Symptoms Among Latino Immigrants in a Randomized Controlled Trial

Evidence of whether behavioral weight-loss interventions reduce depressive symptoms among Latino immigrants is limited. The effect of a behavioral weight-loss intervention on depressive symptoms was assessed using data from a clinical trial among Latino immigrants. Participants were randomized to a usual care (UC) control (n = 41), case management (CM) alone (n = 84), or CM with community health worker support (CM+CHW) (n = 82). Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare the impact of each intervention with UC. Effect modification by poverty level was further investigated. Overall, treatment groups were not significantly associated with 24-month changes in CES-D scores. Among participants below the 100% federal poverty level (FPL), those randomized to CM+CHW had 24-month CES-D scores significantly lower (Β coefficient = 0.72; 95% CI 0.55-0.93) than those in UC (p = 0.01). A behavioral weight-loss intervention providing case management and support from a CHW reduced depressive symptoms among Latino immigrants below the 100% FPL.