A randomized controlled trial testing an Internet delivered cost-benefit approach to weight loss maintenance.

Auteur(s) :
Leahey TM., Fava JL., Seiden A., Fernandes D., Doyle C., Kent K., La Rue M., Mitchell M., Wing RR.
Date :
Nov, 2016
Source(s) :
Preventive medicine. #92: p51-57
Adresse :
University of Connecticut, Department of Allied Health Sciences, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT 06269-1101, USA; The Miriam Hospital/Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 196 Richmond Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA. [email protected]

Sommaire de l'article

Weight loss maintenance is a significant challenge in obesity treatment. During maintenance the "costs" of adhering to weight management behaviors may outweigh the "benefits." This study examined the efficacy of a novel approach to weight loss maintenance based on modifying the cost-benefit ratio. Individuals who achieved a 5% weight loss (N=75) were randomized to one of three, 10-month maintenance interventions. All interventions were delivered primarily via the Internet. The Standard arm received traditional weight maintenance strategies. To increase benefits, or rewards, for maintenance behaviors, the two cost-benefit intervention conditions received weekly monetary rewards for self-monitoring and social reinforcement via e-coaching. To decrease behavioral costs (boredom) and increase novelty, participants in the cost-benefit conditions also monitored different evidence-based behaviors every two weeks (e.g., Weeks 1 & 2: steps; Week 3 & 4: red foods). The primary difference between the cost-benefit interventions was type of e-coach providing social reinforcement: Professional (CB Pro) or Peer (CB Peer). Study procedures took place in Providence, RI from 2013 to 2014. Retention was 99%. There were significant group differences in weight regain (p=.01). The Standard arm gained 3.5±5.7kg. In contrast, participants in CB Pro and CB Peer lost an additional 1.8±7.0kg and 0.5±6.4kg, respectively. These results suggest that an Internet delivered cost-benefit approach to weight loss maintenance may be effective for long-term weight control. In addition, using peer coaches to provide reinforcement may be a particularly economic alternative to professionals. These data are promising and provide support for a larger, longer trial.

Source : Pubmed
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