Improving metabolic fitness in Indigenous women: A pragmatic controlled trial of waist loss.

INTERVENTION: Participants will be expected to attend two 60 minute group exercise classes per week for a 12 week period. The classes will be facilitated by qualified instructors. The classes will be in a circuit format, with minimal equipment, and are suitable for women of all fitness levels and can be modified to accommodate individual needs. Each participant will be given a pedometer to wear and will be asked to record their daily steps, and other physcial activity in their exercise log. During the 12 week program participants will also be required to attend 4 nutrition and lifestyle workshops facilitated by a qualified nutritionist. CONDITION: Obesity. Waist circumference >80cm. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Improved average metabolic profile (lower blood pressure (BP)), improved cholesterol fraction, lower fasting glycemia, reduction in markers of inflammation). ; ; Participants will have fasting blood collected for analysis, and their blood pressure taken. Improved scores in tests of self‐efficacy and social support for physical activity and self‐reported diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, motives for physical activity and quality of life. ; These measures will be assessed via self‐reported questionnaires. Reduction in waist circumference. ; ; Participants will have their height, weight, waist and hip circumference, and Body Mass Index (BMI) measured. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Participant satisfaction interview with a semi‐structured format. Waist circumference interviews; 2 types, 1. Those maintaining waist loss from 12 weeks and 2. Those not maintaining waist loss from 12 weeks. ; ; These interviews seek to understand the reasons behind participants' level of success in maintaining waist loss. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Women who identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, waist circumference >80 cm, willing to participate in the study.