The Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) and Reduction of Chronic Disease Risk Factors in the Philippines

Abstract

Lifestyle modification has been demonstrated to effectively reduce the risk factors associated with chronic disease. The Complete Health Improvement Project, a 30-day diet and lifestyle modification program, has been shown to be efficacious in the US, Australasia and Canada. The present study examined the changes in selected biometric measures of 61 participants from six programs delivered in Manila, in the Philippines (May 2013 to November 2014). Overall, significant reductions were recorded in body mass (2.2%, p<0.001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (6.0%, p<0.001 and 3.3%, p=0.040; respectively), total cholesterol (9.1%, p<0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (6.8%, p=0.021), and fasting blood sugar (12.4%, p=0.001). Overall, triglyceride levels did not change significantly over the course of the intervention (p=0.299). Stratification of the data revealed more dramatic responses in those presenting with the greatest risk factor levels. Those presenting with cholesterol levels >5.17mmol/l recorded an average reduction of 14.4%. A mean decrease of 17.0% in low-density lipoprotein levels was observed among those who entered the program with a low-density lipoprotein level >3.35 mmol/l. Individuals who presented with triglycerides >2.26 mmol/l recorded a mean reduction of 21.8%. Individuals with systolic blood pressure above 139 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure above 89 mmHg decreased levels by 10.3% and 7.1%, respectively. Finally, fasting plasma glucose decreased on average 24.8% among individuals entering the program with levels above 6.9 mmol/l. In conclusion, significant reductions in chronic disease risk factors can be achieved in a 30-day life style intervention delivered in the Philippines.