The goal of this clinical trial is to test the effectiveness of remotely-delivered interventions (utilizing acceptance-based behavioral treatment skills (ABTi)) amongst bariatric surgery populations who are experiencing weight regain postoperatively (\> 5% from their lowest postoperative weight and after postoperative Month 6). Investigators aim to evaluate ABTi's efficacy for reversing weight regain and its effect on targeted weight control behaviors and weight-related comorbidities by comparing participants randomly assigned ABTi (n = 100) to those assigned to a Control group that also receives brief phone calls but that focus on reiterating instruction on the dietary and behavioral changes required of surgery and initially taught preoperatively (C, n = 100). The main research aims are: 1. To compare changes in body weight over 12 months in 200 bariatric patients who have regained \> 5% of their weight and are randomly assigned to ABTi or Control. 2. To compare changes in eating behaviors (i.e., caloric intake, frequency of maladaptive eating behaviors), physical activity, and weight-related comorbidities (i.e., biomarkers of diabetes, hypertension) over 12 months in the two groups. 3. Exploratory - To test ABTi's theoretical mechanisms of action, including a) effects of theory-based active ingredients (i.e., acceptance, defusion, values clarity, mindfulness) on weight outcomes and b) changes in impact of internal states (i.e., hunger, cravings) on eating behavior.
The current study will evaluate a remotely-delivered acceptance-based behavioral intervention (ABTi) for individuals who are experiencing weight regain after bariatric surgery (\> 5% from their lowest postoperative weight and after postoperative Month 6). ABTi will be delivered online via interactive modules followed by brief phone calls with health coaches to reinforce the lessons over the course of 6 months. We aim to evaluate ABTi's efficacy for reversing weight regain and its effect on targeted weight control behaviors and weight related comorbidities by comparing participants randomly assigned ABTi (n = 100) to those assigned to a Control group that also receives brief phone calls but that focus on reiterating instruction on the dietary and behavioral changes required of surgery and initially taught preoperatively (C, n = 100). Assessments will be conducted at baseline, and 3, 6 (end of active treatment), and 12 months after enrollment. Seven-day, smartphone-based, Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) will be used at each period to precisely measure how aversive internal states drive maladaptive eating patterns that contribute to weight regain and how ABT works to interrupt these patterns to reverse risk and restore a healthy pattern of eating. The study has two primary aims and an exploratory aim. Aim 1: To compare changes in body weight over 12 months in 200 bariatric patients who have regained \> 5% of their weight and are randomly assigned to ABTi or C. (The study is powered on this outcome.) Hypothesis: Participants who receive ABTi will achieve greater reductions in weight at 12 months as compared to those who receive C. Aim 2: To compare changes in eating behaviors (i.e., caloric intake, frequency of maladaptive eating behaviors), physical activity, and weight-related comorbidities (i.e., biomarkers of diabetes, hypertension) over 12 months in the two groups. Hypothesis: Participants who receive ABTi will report lower caloric intake, greater reductions in maladaptive eating behaviors, greater increases in physical activity, and demonstrate more favorable improvements in weight-related comorbidities than those who receive C. Aim 3 (Exploratory): To test ABTi's theoretical mechanisms of action, including a) effects of theory-based active ingredients (i.e., acceptance, defusion, values clarity, mindfulness) on weight outcomes and b) changes in impact of internal states (i.e., hunger, cravings) on eating behavior. Hypotheses: a) Changes in ABT variables from baseline to mid-treatment will mediate differences in weight outcomes between conditions from midtreatment to post-treatment; b) The association between eating behavior and subjective states (i.e., hunger, cravings) will weaken in ABTi compared to C from baseline to post-treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
200
Intervention will evaluate acceptance-based behavioral treatment (ABT) for individuals who are experiencing weight regain after bariatric surgery. ABT builds acceptance and mindfulness skills that increase the capacity to experience uncomfortable internal states (e.g., food cravings, hunger, negative affect). Online treatments include video modules demonstrating session content as well as interactive features. These interventions are particularly desirable, reduced participant burden, and are cost effective. ABT provides patients unique skills that directly target causes of dietary non-adherence. ABT provides patients specialized skills to directly target causes of dietary nonadherence (rather that solely repeating behavioral strategies they received during preoperative medical weight management required by their third party payers and bariatric surgery programs).
Rush University
Chicago, Illinois, United States
RECRUITINGTemple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
RECRUITINGWeight
Weight will be measured with a digital scale with participants dressed in light clothes and without shoes. Percent weight loss will be calculated from participants' current weight (at each assessment point) as compared to their baseline weight. Weight will be measured in lbs.
Time frame: 12 Months (Assessment points at baseline, 3 Month, 6 Month, 12 Month)
Caloric Intake
Caloric intake will be measured via the Automated Self Administered 24-hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA-24), which is a public-access, freely available (through the National Cancer Institute), web-based tool to obtain high-quality dietary intake data with minimal bias.
Time frame: 12 Months (Assessment points at baseline, 3 Month, 6 Month, 12 Month)
Eating Behavior - Cognitive Constraint
Eating Behavior will be measured via The Eating Inventory, which measures three factors related to eating behavior: 1) cognitive restraint, 2) disinhibition, and 3) hunger. The Eating Inventory (also known as the three factor eating questionnaire) is separated into two parts. The first part consists of 36 questions and the second part consists of 15 questions. Part 1 allocates one point for each item (1-36). One point is given for each item on the Likert scale for Part 2 (i.e., 1 point given for "rarely" and three points given for "usually"). It is difficult to quantify a better or worse outcome here. Typically, higher scores in the cognitive constraint item, indicate greater conscious control over eating behavior.
Time frame: 12 Months (Assessment points at baseline, 3 Month, 6 Month, 12 Month)
Eating Behavior - Disinhibition
Eating Behavior will be measured via The Eating Inventory, which measures three factors related to eating behavior: 1) cognitive restraint, 2) disinhibition, and 3) hunger. The Eating Inventory (also known as the three factor eating questionnaire) is separated into two parts. The first part consists of 36 questions and the second part consists of 15 questions. Part 1 allocates one point for each item (1-36). One point is given for each item on the Likert scale for Part 2 (i.e., 1 point given for "rarely" and three points given for "usually"). It is difficult to quantify a better or worse outcome here. Typically, higher scores in Disinhibition signify a greater tendency to overeat or lose control over eating behavior.
Time frame: 12 Months (Assessment points at baseline, 3 Month, 6 Month, 12 Month)
Eating Behavior - Hunger
Eating Behavior will be measured via The Eating Inventory, which measures three factors related to eating behavior: 1) cognitive restraint, 2) disinhibition, and 3) hunger. The Eating Inventory (also known as the three factor eating questionnaire) is separated into two parts. The first part consists of 36 questions and the second part consists of 15 questions. Part 1 allocates one point for each item (1-36). One point is given for each item on the Likert scale for Part 2 (i.e., 1 point given for "rarely" and three points given for "usually"). It is difficult to quantify a better or worse outcome here. Typically, a higher score in Hunger indicates greater subjective feelings of hunger and appetite.
Time frame: 12 Months (Assessment points at baseline, 3 Month, 6 Month, 12 Month)
Physical Activity
Objectively measured physical activity outcomes will be minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity accumulated overall and in bouts of 10 minutes or longer as assessed by the activPAL. The activPAL is a wireless multi-sensor monitor worn on the thigh. This technology has been shown to accurately measure time engaged in physical activity intensity categories. Participants will wear the activPAL for 7 days at all assessment points.
Time frame: 12 Months Overall (intervals of 7 days at baseline, 3 Month, 6 Month, 12 Month)
Weight-Related Medical Comorbidities - Number of participants with hypertension
Hypertension will be measured by participants undergoing a blood pressure check via blood pressure cuff.
Time frame: 12 Months (Assessment points at baseline, 3 Month, 6 Month, 12 Month)
Weight-Related Medical Comorbidities - Number of participants with diabetes
Diabetes will be measured by participants undergoing a blood draw to evaluate blood glucose and HbA1c (after a 12 hour fast).
Time frame: 12 Months (Assessment points at baseline, 3 Month, 6 Month, 12 Month)
Weight-Related Medical Comorbidities - Number of participants with hypercholesterolemia
Hypercholesterolemia will be measured by participants undergoing a blood draw to evaluate cholesterol levels and triglycerides (after a 12 hour fast).
Time frame: 12 Months (Assessment points at baseline, 3 Month, 6 Month, 12 Month)
Weight-Related Medical Comorbidities - Number of participants with hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia will be measured by participants undergoing a blood draw to evaluate cholesterol levels and triglycerides (after a 12 hour fast).
Time frame: 12 Months (Assessment points at baseline, 3 Month, 6 Month, 12 Month)
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