The current pilot study will explore the optimal cost-effective treatment configuration for online group-based weight control by focusing on two aspects of our existing treatment program which have significant associated cost and determine which contribute meaningfully to weight loss outcomes. Specifically, we will explore whether adding synchronous group social support (weekly group video chat sessions facilitated by a trained weight loss counselor) to on demand (asynchronous) social support provided through the program discussion board significantly increases weight losses achieved. We will also examine whether detailed feedback on dietary and physical activity self-monitoring records from a counselor enhances weight loss outcomes in comparison with basic feedback. Finally, we will examine the cost efficiency of the treatment constellations. Further, this pilot study will also explore the feasibility of recruiting participants nationally (rather than just locally) and the capture of data electronically (including body weight measurements) without any in-person contact.
All participants will receive the same online group-based weight loss program, a lifestyle intervention which we have demonstrated to be effective in the past. The 16-session, goal-driven behavioral weight control program offers weekly interactive modules that provide evidence-based health education on caloric balance and physical activity increases, with a goal of fostering changes in diet and exercise habits and producing weight losses of 5-10%. The intervention is based on social cognitive theory and uses a self-regulation approach to learning new lifestyle habits that can produce and maintain weight loss. Participants in all study arms will be provided with the same calorie and physical activity goals, and all participants will be asked to self-monitor their dietary intake and physical activity daily using an app on their smart phone. They will also be asked to weigh themselves daily, consistent with research indicating that daily weighing is associated with greater weight loss and participants will be provided with a Bluetooth-enabled "smart scale" that will communicate weight to the password-protected study website (visible to only the participant and study staff). The study website also provides the dynamic programmatic content, real time graphic feedback from self-monitoring (for each individual participant) and a study group discussion board for asynchronous group interactions and social support. The website includes the core aspects of the behavioral program and is to be provided to all participants.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
73
Participants will receive an online 16-session, goal-driven behavioral weight control program via video chat and weekly interactive modules. The modules provide evidence-based health education on caloric balance, with a goal of fostering changes in diet and exercise habits and producing weight losses of 5-10%. Participants are provided with an electronic scale that will transmit weights wirelessly to a secure study website. A group facilitator will monitor digital food diaries and provide detailed weekly feedback on diet and exercise.
Participants will receive an online 16-session, goal-driven behavioral weight control program via video chat and weekly interactive modules. The modules provide evidence-based health education on caloric balance, with a goal of fostering changes in diet and exercise habits and producing weight losses of 5-10%. Participants are provided with an electronic scale that will transmit weights wirelessly to a secure study website. A group facilitator will monitor digital food diaries and provide basic weekly feedback on diet and exercise.
Participants will receive an online 16-session, goal-driven behavioral weight control program via weekly interactive modules. The modules provide evidence-based health education on caloric balance, with a goal of fostering changes in diet and exercise habits and producing weight losses of 5-10%. They also are provided with a study discussion board for social support from fellow participants. Participants are provided with an electronic scale that will transmit weights wirelessly to a secure study website. A weight loss counselor will monitor digital food diaries and provide basic weekly feedback on diet and exercise.
Participants will receive an online 16-session, goal-driven behavioral weight control program via weekly interactive modules. The modules provide evidence-based health education on caloric balance, with a goal of fostering changes in diet and exercise habits and producing weight losses of 5-10%. They also are provided with a study discussion board for social support from fellow participants. Participants are provided with an electronic scale that will transmit weights wirelessly to a secure study website. A weight loss counselor will monitor digital food diaries and provide personalized, detailed weekly feedback on diet and exercise.
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Weight loss
Change in body weight from baseline calculated as kg lost
Time frame: Baseline, 2 and 4 months
Change in body weight from baseline calculated as % of body weight lost
1 - \[follow-up body weight/ baseline body weight\] = % body weight change
Time frame: 2 and 4 months
Treatment Engagement: daily weighing
Self-monitoring rates for daily weighing and will be calculated as the total number of days of weight submitted over the 4 month period divided by the total number of days of potential self-weighing.
Time frame: Weeks 1 to 16
Treatment Engagement: weekly food journal submissions
Self-monitoring rates for daily dietary self monitoring will be calculated as the total number of weeks of digital food diaries submitted over the 4 month period divided by the total number of weeks of potential digital diary submissions.
Time frame: Weeks 1 to 16
Treatment Engagement: completion of the 16 weekly interactive online modules
Percent of weekly module completion will be calculated as the total number of weeks of completed modules submitted over the 4 month period divided by 16 (the total number of modules available).
Time frame: Weeks 1 to 16
Treatment Engagement: Attendance at Video Chat condition
Percent of weekly video chat attendance will be calculated as the total number of weeks each participant attended video chat over the 4 month period divided by 16 (the total number of video chats available).- Collected only for those randomized to a condition with video chat
Time frame: Weeks 1 to 16
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