Evidence-Based Approach to Healthy Food Choices for Hispanic Women.

: Obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions in the United States and Hispanic women, particularly Mexican American women, are disproportionately affected. This quality improvement project, which took place at a clinic in East Los Angeles, California, implemented body mass index calculation, an eight-item starting the conversation (STC) tool, and culturally sensitive nutrition education in an effort to change the overweight/obesity status of these women. There were 36 female Hispanic patients who participated in this study. There was a significant decrease in body mass index percentile from pre implementation to 2-months post implementation. The total STC score decreased significantly from pre implementation to 2-months post implementation, indicating a positive change in dietary behavior. Dietary screening and intervention tools can assist health care providers with early identification of overweight/obesity status and prevention of overweight/obesity-related diseases. The STC tool will allow the health care provider to start the conversation about healthy food choices and provide for further culturally sensitive nutrition education.