Health Academies Program and the promotion of physical activity in the city: the experience of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Abstract The objectives of this study were to describe the history and evaluation methodology of the Brazilian Health Academy Program (PAS) in Belo Horizonte, MG and discuss it as an experience of health promotion and equity. Data from 4,048 non-users (2008-09) and 402 users (2014-15) were analyzed from two cross-sectional surveys. Socio-demographic profile and level of physical activity were described for both groups. Social interaction, satisfaction with life, quality of life, and social organization in the neighborhood were compared between