Comparison of Weight Loss Programs for Individuals With Severe Obesity

The Miriam Hospital29 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a technology-based system (the Body Media FIT system) for enhancing weight loss in severely obese individuals (BMI: ≥ 40 kg/m2). The investigators will compare two 6-month interventions: 1) a standard behavioral weight loss program (SBT) and 2) a standard behavioral weight loss program plus the use of the Body Media FIT system (SBT+FIT). The Body Media® FIT system is a novel weight loss tool consisting of an armband that measures energy expenditure, a digital display watch that provides "real time" physical activity and energy expenditure feedback, and access to a system website which allows individuals to track their food intake and set exercise and dietary goals. We will examine differences in physical activity, weight loss, and program adherence between groups.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Obesity Weight Loss

Interventions

Participants receive a standard behavioral weight loss program similar to that used in other large trials such as Look AHEAD and the Diabetes Prevention Program. Individuals will come to weekly group meetings for 6-months and will be instructed to reduce caloric intake, increase physical activity, and self-monitor their weight, eating, and exercise behaviors.

SBT + technology system (SBT+FIT)BEHAVIORAL

Participants will receive a standard behavioral weight loss program and will also be asked to use the Body Media FIT system as part of their weight loss intervention. Individuals will come to weekly group meetings for 6-months and will be instructed to reduce caloric intake, increase physical activity, and self-monitor their weight, eating, and exercise behaviors. Participants in this group will also wear an armband that measures energy expenditure and they will log their food intake on the internet.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 21 YearsMax age: 55 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 21-55 * Body mass index (BMI) ≥40kg/m2 (or no more than 440 lbs) Exclusion Criteria: * Recent weight loss (≥ 10 pounds within the past 6 months) * Currently pregnant, pregnant within the last 6 months, or planning on becoming pregnant in the next 6 months. * Presence of any condition that would limit exercise participation (assessed by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)). * A history of myocardial infarction or other heart-related surgeries. * Currently enrolled in a commercial weight loss program. * A recent (\< 1 year) diagnosis or hospitalization for a psychological condition or history of psychosis (e.g. - Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Eating Disorder) * Diagnosed with cancer within the past year or currently undergoing cancer treatment. * Currently taking weight loss medications. * Currently do not have daily access to a computer or Internet. * Individuals with diabetes

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in body weight

Time frame: 6-months

Secondary Outcomes

Change in physical activity