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Web-based group sessions improved outcomes in weight-loss campaign
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By adding Internet-based behavioral weight-loss and optional group sessions to a statewide wellness campaign, researchers at Brown University found that outcomes improved and were sustained after treatment.
Tricia M. Leahey, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and human behavior research at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and colleagues used the annual statewide wellness campaign, Shape Up Rhode Island (SURI), to determine whether adding an Internet-based behavioral weight-loss (IBWL) program alone or IBWL plus optional group sessions would improve outcomes of the campaign.
According to Leahey, the approach is efficacious and economical.
“Community weight-loss campaigns reach thousands of overweight or obese Americans, but weight loss is modest,” Leahey told Endocrine Today.
Leahey and colleagues used SURI 2011, a 3-month Internet-based program that included 5,169 patients. From the initial group, the researchers used 230 patients (84% female; 89% white, aged 47 years) with a BMI of 34. The patients were randomly assigned to either SURI alone; SURI plus IBWL; or SURI plus IBWL and weekly, optional group sessions led by a registered dietician, with weigh-ins and interactivity.
According to data, there was 93% retention at post-treatment and 91% at the 3-month follow-up, with significant differences in weight loss among the groups (SURI: –0.9 kg; SURI plus IBWL: –3.1 kg; SURI plus IBWL and group sessions: –4.9 kg; P≤.01 for all).
Additional data indicate within enhanced conditions, the adherence measures were linked to weight loss (P<.001), and patients in the highest tertile of optional group attendance had the most favorable results (one to four classes: –2.4 kg; five to nine classes: –5.3 kg; 10 to 12 classes: –8.3 kg; P<.01).
“Adding IBWL to a community campaign significantly enhances weight loss and substantially increases the number of individuals who achieve a clinically significant weight loss, which is associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes,” Leahey said. “Therefore, the results from this study have significant public health implications and help to address the epidemic of obesity.”
Currently, Leahey and colleagues are testing modest financial incentives to further enhance weight losses achieved in SURI plus IBWL, she said.
For more information:
Leahey TM. 73-OR. Presented at: The Obesity Society 30th Annual Scientific Meeting; Sept. 20-24, 2012; San Antonio.
Disclosure: Kumar and Weinberg are affiliated with Shape Up Inc. All other researchers have no relevant financial disclosures.