This research study is being done: 1) to determine if the MGH Be Fit program helps employees to change their nutrition and exercise habits and lower their risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes and 2) to determine if a maintenance program following the Be Fit 12 week program will help employees to keep the positive health changes.
The main objectives of this trial are to determine if employees who participate in the Be Fit 12 week program and are randomized to a 9 month maintenance program are more likely to maintain weight loss, physical activity level, and reduction of other clinical risk factors for disease compared to the control group. Secondary objectives are to determine if employees who participate in the maintenance intervention have fewer chronic diseases related to lifestyle factors and lower health care costs at 3 years.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
330
The Be Fit maintenance program is a randomized controlled trial of a 9 month intervention to maintain weight loss and physical activity after completion of the 12 week wellness program. Six teams of 25 participants will be randomized to the intervention or to usual care. There are 2 key elements to the maintenance program: personal contact and Internet contact. The personal contact enables the participants to continue receiving face-to-face support from a Be Fit nutritionist and trainer. The Internet interface is an opportunity for the participants to self-monitor their own progress while still under the guidance of the program.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Weight Loss
Mean number of pounds lost at the end of the 10-week program and 9-month maintenance program
Time frame: 1 year
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