The prevalence of obesity in young adults has been increasing, and excessive body weight have been linked to numerous chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, many forms of cancer, and numerous musculoskeletal problems. This study will focus of the development and evaluation of interventions that may be appropriate for young adults (age 18-35 years) to improve weight loss outcomes following a 24 month intervention. The primary aim of this study is to examine whether an enhanced weight loss intervention (EWLI) that includes technology components results in improved weight loss in young adults (18-35 years of age) compared to a standard behavioral weight loss intervention (SBWP) over a period of 24 months. Eligible participants will also be assessed for body composition, body fat distribution, fitness, physical activity, dietary intake, and behavioral/psychosocial measures that may be predictive of behavior change. Assessments will occur at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Subjects will participate in a 24 month behavioral weight loss program that includes a reduction in energy intake and moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise (progressively increasing from 100 to 300 minutes per week). The technologies added to EWLI are text messaging, a wearable device that provides feedback on physical activity, and access to a website to monitor dietary behaviors.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
471
Subjects in this group will receive our standard behavioral weight control program that is delivered in an in-person group-based format. At month 7 subjects will also be given access to a study website to monitor eating and activity behaviors, and to have electronic access to standardized intervention materials. At month 7 subjects will also receive targeted study-related text messages that otherwise would have been provided in paper format.
Subjects in this group will participate in a weight loss intervention that includes technology enhancements. These enhancements will include the addition of intervention specific targeted and tailored text messaging and the BodyMedia Fit System® beginning at Month 7. At month 7 subjects in EWLI will also receive the same targeted study-related text messages provided to SBWP that otherwise would have been provided in paper format.
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
weight change
Body weight will be assessed on a digital scale to assess change in body weight over the 24 month intervention period.
Time frame: Change from baseline to 24 months
body composition
Body composition will be assessed using DXA. This will provide a measure of lean body mass, fat mass, bone mineral content, and percent body fat.
Time frame: 0, 6, 12, 18 24 months
cardiorespiratory fitness
A graded exercise test on a treadmill along with indirect calorimetry will be used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness. This will provide a measure of oxygen consumption and metabolic equivalents of work at the time of test termination.
Time frame: 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 months
physical activity energy expenditure
A questionnaire and a portable device worn on the upper arm will be used to measure and quantify energy expenditure from physical activity.
Time frame: 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 months
dietary intake
A questionnaire will be used to assess self-reported food intake. This will be used to estimate calories, dietary fat, protein, and carbohydrates consumed.
Time frame: 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 months
psychosocial and behavioral measures
Questionnaires will be used to assess self-efficacy for weight loss and physical activity, barriers to physical activity and weight loss, expected outcomes resulting from physical activity and weight loss, perceived body image, depressive symptomotology, sleep patterns, weight history, dietary disinhibition and restraint, and behaviors typically related to weight loss (e.g., self-weighing, meal planning, etc.).
Time frame: 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 months
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