Cholesterol reduction through low-intensity interventions: Results from the Minnesota heart health program

The National Cholesterol Education Program has underscored the need for health professionals to work together to promote dietary changes and reduce blood cholesterol levels across the population. This article reports the results of an evaluation of several low-intensity intervention programs designed for the general public that could be offered on a larger scale, either through traditional outlets for short courses or on an outpatient basis after physician referral. The interventions were designed as classes, required approximately 8 hr of contact time with the participants, cost approximately $20 per participant, and were taught by nutritionists and dietitians recruited from the community and trained for this program. Results indicated that similar net reductions in total cholesterol of about 4% were achieved at 1-yr follow-up either from a course which focused on changing eating patterns or from one which focused on weight loss and weight-loss management. These results support the hypothesis that cholesterol reduction is possible with inexpensive and simple methods in healthy, low-risk populations.