Healthy Drama? Why Soap Operas May Help Fight Diabetes

A mother and daughter fret over diabetes in a Spanish-language soap opera. (UMass Medical School)

Can soap operas help jump start a healthier lifestyle?

One group of researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center thinks they might help. In a recent community-based approach, researchers used various techniques — including cooking classes, supermarket tours, and yes, soap operas — to help Lawrence residents at risk of developing diabetes to stave off the disease.

After one year, results for these study participants, most with less than a high school education and with an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35, considered obese, were mixed.

In our weekly Commonhealth segment, we’ll take a closer look.

Guests:

• Dr. Ira S. Ockene, professor of medicine and  director of preventive cardiology and community engagement research, University of Massachusetts Medical School.
• Rachel Zimmerman, co-host, WBUR’s Commonhealth blog.