• BMI at one year after randomization
  

• BMI percentile score of children one year after intervention
  
• Dietary intake of mothers and their child one year after intervention as measured by multiple 24 hour recalls
  
• Physical activity of mother and their child as measured by actigraph monitoring.
  

We propose to evaluate a family-based intervention designed to prevent obesity by increasing fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake, decreasing fat intake and increasing physical activity. The target group for the intervention is low-income Mexican-American mothers of preschool aged children. The intervention uses family-based behavioral counseling (FBC) sessions with a community health advisor (CHA) to promote changing the types of foods that mothers prepare and consume, and increasing the time that mothers spend being active with their children. In previous research, we have used this approach to improve Mexican-American school aged children's nutritional status. The mothers of these children were extremely motivated to improve their children's diets, and in doing so, improved their own health behaviors and reduced their BMI's. Accordingly, in the proposed research, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial with a sample of 250 Mexican-American mothers-child dyads to evaluate a family based intervention designed to prevent obesity in low income Mexican-American women. As families enroll in the study, they will be randomly assigned to either the FBC sessions or an active placebo control condition.

Data will be collected immediately prior to participation in the intervention, within one-month of completing the intervention and at six months and one year follow-up. Mother's body mass index (BMI) will serve as the primary outcome variable. Multiple 24-hour dietary recalls, a modified household food inventory and physical activity monitoring will be used as secondary indices of program efficacy. The following hypotheses will be examined in this experiment.

Primary Hypothesis Women who receive the FBC sessions will have significantly lower BMI one year after randomization into the intervention compared to women whose families receive an active placebo control.

Secondary Hypotheses

Women who receive the FBC sessions will have significantly lower fat intakes and higher fruit and vegetable intakes, as measured by 24 hour recalls, one year after randomization into the intervention compared to women whose families receive an active placebo control.

Women who receive the FBC sessions will have significantly fewer high fat foods and significantly more fruits and vegetables in their homes, as measured by targeted household food inventories, one year after randomization into the intervention compared to women whose families receive an active placebo control.

Women who receive the FBC sessions will be significantly more active one year after randomization into the intervention, as measured by activity monitoring, compared to women whose families receive an active placebo control.