The purpose of this research study is to find out whether a primarily self-guided program can produce changes in weight, body fat and cardiovascular risk among young men.
This self-guided lifestyle intervention may help men to reduce weight and improve heart health because it has been adapted to meet the possible weight loss needs of young men. Young men may experience reductions in body weight after enrollment in the intervention, but this is unknown. Study participation lasts approximately 3 months. Participants will be assessed by the study staff and fill out questionnaires about current lifestyle practices (diet, physical activity, sleep habits, risk behaviors). Weight, medical events, and medication use within the last 3 months will be assessed. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to the control group or self-guided group.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
35
The intervention will consist of one 60-minute group based online session, adapted specifically for young men based previous work with young adults, followed by a self-guided program for 12-weeks. Participants will receive a tool kit that includes evidence-based resources (scale for self-weighing, handouts that will include free self-monitoring apps and strategies for no-cost exercise, sample meal plans and meal planning tips, and tips for healthy living that emphasize risk areas) to assist them during the self-guided phase, as well as weekly health risk text messages.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Percent weight lost
Percent weight change (measured in kg via calibrated scale); calculated as: (post-treatment weight - baseline weight) / baseline weight \*100
Time frame: 3 months
Change in perceived risk for heart disease
Perceived risk assessed via 12-item Risk Behavior Diagnosis scale
Time frame: Baseline to 3 months
Change in minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity
Physical activity assessed via 21-item Global Physical Activity Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline to 3 months
Change in diet quality
Dietary habits assessed via 26-item National Cancer Institute's Dietary Screening Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline to 3 months
Change in sleep quality
Sleep habits assessed via 6-item Common Elements Sleep Quesitonnaire
Time frame: Baseline to 3 months
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