Researchers looked at 14 different weight loss programs designed specifically for Hispanic American women. They found that programs work best when they respect cultural values, use both English and Spanish, include traditional foods, and let women support each other in groups. On average, women lost about 8.7 pounds and reduced their waist size by nearly 4 inches. The key takeaway? Weight loss programs are more successful when they’re built around the culture and lifestyle of the people using them, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether weight loss programs work better for Hispanic American women when the programs are designed to match their culture and values
  • Who participated: The review looked at 14 different studies involving Hispanic American women who were overweight or had obesity. The studies were published between 2004 and 2024
  • Key finding: All 14 programs helped women lose weight. On average, women lost about 8.7 pounds, their BMI (a measure of body weight) dropped by 1.85 units, and their waist size shrank by about 3.9 inches
  • What it means for you: If you’re a Hispanic American woman looking to lose weight, programs that include your language, your food traditions, and group support from other women like you may work better than generic programs. However, results vary between individuals, and you should talk with your doctor before starting any weight loss program

The Research Details

Researchers searched seven different medical databases for studies published over 20 years (2004-2024) about weight loss programs for Hispanic American women. They used strict rules to decide which studies to include, making sure the programs were specifically designed with Hispanic culture in mind. They then looked at all 14 studies together to see what worked best.

This type of review is called a ‘systematic scoping review,’ which means the researchers followed a careful, organized process to find and evaluate all the available research on this topic. They didn’t combine the numbers from all studies into one big calculation; instead, they looked at each study separately and then described what they all had in common.

The researchers used a quality checklist to rate how well each study was done, looking at things like whether the studies were fair, whether they tracked people properly, and whether they reported their results clearly.

This research approach is important because it brings together everything we know about what works for a specific group of people. Instead of relying on one study, looking at 14 different programs gives us a much better picture of what’s effective. It also helps identify patterns—like which features (bilingual materials, traditional foods, group support) appear in the most successful programs

This is a systematic review, which is a strong type of research. The researchers followed strict guidelines and checked the quality of each study they included. However, the studies they reviewed varied quite a bit in how they were done and what they measured, which makes it harder to compare them directly. The review doesn’t tell us the exact number of women involved across all studies, which would help us understand how many people this research represents

What the Results Show

Every single program studied helped women lose weight, which is a very positive finding. When researchers looked at the numbers across all 14 studies, they found that on average, women lost about 8.7 pounds. This might not sound like a lot, but it’s meaningful because even small amounts of weight loss can improve health.

When looking at BMI (a measurement that combines weight and height), women’s BMI dropped by an average of 1.85 units. Seven of the 14 studies showed really significant weight loss, and eight showed significant BMI improvements. Three studies also measured waist circumference (how big around your waist is), and found an average reduction of 3.89 inches, which is important because belly fat is linked to health problems.

The programs that worked best had several things in common. They were offered in Spanish and English (bilingual), they included cultural elements that mattered to Hispanic women, they used traditional Hispanic foods instead of telling women to avoid their favorite foods, and they encouraged women to work together in groups rather than doing it alone.

Beyond just weight loss numbers, the research showed that these culturally-designed programs were actually acceptable to women—meaning women liked them and stuck with them. The programs also helped promote healthier lifestyle habits overall, not just weight loss. Many programs were delivered in community settings and group classes, which seemed to help women stay motivated and connected to each other

This review builds on earlier research showing that one-size-fits-all weight loss programs don’t work as well for different cultural groups. Previous studies suggested that programs need to be tailored to match people’s values, languages, and food traditions. This review confirms that idea and shows it’s true for Hispanic American women specifically. It also shows that the field has been moving in the right direction—more programs are being designed with culture in mind

The studies reviewed were different from each other in important ways. Some programs lasted a few weeks, others lasted months or years. Some had small groups of women, others had larger groups. They measured success differently and didn’t always report all their results the same way, making it hard to compare them directly. The review doesn’t tell us how many total women participated across all studies. We also don’t know how long the weight loss lasted after the programs ended—did women keep the weight off? Finally, this research is specific to Hispanic American women, so we can’t assume these same results would work the same way for other groups

The Bottom Line

If you’re a Hispanic American woman interested in losing weight, look for programs that: (1) are offered in Spanish or bilingual, (2) include traditional Hispanic foods and cooking methods, (3) are led by people who understand Hispanic culture, and (4) involve group activities where you can connect with other women. These features appear to make programs more effective and easier to stick with. Confidence level: Moderate—the research supports this, but individual results vary

This research is most relevant for Hispanic American women who are overweight or have obesity and want to lose weight. It’s also important for doctors, nurses, and health programs that serve Hispanic communities. Healthcare providers should use this information to recommend or design programs that match their patients’ cultural backgrounds. This research is less directly applicable to other ethnic groups, though the general principle that culture matters in health programs applies to everyone

Based on the studies reviewed, most women saw weight loss within the first few months of the program. However, the programs varied in length from a few weeks to over a year. To see meaningful results, plan to commit to at least 3-6 months. Keep in mind that weight loss is usually gradual—expecting to lose more than 1-2 pounds per week is unrealistic and unhealthy

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly weight and waist circumference measurements, plus a ‘cultural foods eaten’ log. Record which traditional Hispanic foods you’re including in your meals (like beans, whole grains, vegetables prepared traditionally) to help you stay connected to the cultural aspect of the program
  • Use the app to find or join a virtual group or community challenge with other Hispanic American women doing a weight loss program. Set reminders to prepare traditional Hispanic meals using healthier cooking methods. Log your participation in group activities or community events related to your weight loss journey
  • Set up monthly check-ins to review your weight trend (not just individual weigh-ins), waist circumference every 4 weeks, and track which cultural foods and group activities you’re using. Create a dashboard that shows your progress and celebrates milestones. Set reminders to reconnect with your support group or community program regularly to maintain motivation

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Weight loss programs should be discussed with your doctor before starting, especially if you have any health conditions, take medications, or have a history of eating disorders. Results vary between individuals, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you experience any concerning symptoms while participating in a weight loss program, contact your healthcare provider immediately. This review examines research about program effectiveness but does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation for any specific program.