Weight Watchers and Families

University of Connecticut260 enrolled

Overview

Research suggests that when one spouse loses weight, the other spouse does too. This study will examine whether a ripple effect is observed in untreated spouses and children of individuals participating in a nationally available weight loss program. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive Weight Watchers immediately or at the end of a 6-month waiting period. Participants and untreated spouses (and any children in the home) will be assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

260

Conditions

Overweight and Obesity

Interventions

Self guided handoutOTHER

Written handout with basic weight management strategies

Weight WatchersBEHAVIORAL

Access to Weight Watchers in-person meetings and online tools

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 25 YearsMax age: 70 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * body mass index between 27.0-40.0 kg/m2 * married or living with a significant other who had a BMI \> 25 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * currently in a weight loss program, dieting, or taking medications that might affect weight * had participated in a weight loss program in the past year * lost \> 5% of their body weight in the past 6 months * were planning to or had undergone weight loss surgery * had any orthopedic limitations or contraindications to physical activity * were pregnant, lactating, or less than 6 months postpartum, or were planning to become pregnant in the next year * reported uncontrolled hypertension, history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease; reported chronic gastrointestinal disease * endorsed having hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, or HIV * had a history of cancer within the past 5 years * reported a significant psychiatric illness that might interfere with completion of the study.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Weight

body weight measured in kg

Time frame: 0, 3, and 6 months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.