A pilot study evaluating a minimal contact telephone and mail weight management intervention for primary care patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined an 8-week telephone and mail weight management intervention for Veterans who are unable to attend frequent clinical visits.


METHODS
A mail and phone based intervention was compared to a "usual care" intervention in a Hospital clinic. 26 participants (80% male; mean wt=246.2 lbs, BMI=34.7) completed the study. All participants received weight management counseling at weeks 1 and 8. Participants in the intervention group received phone calls and mailings during weeks 2-7.


RESULTS
The intervention group lost more weight, although it was not statistically significant. Multivariate analyses showed stage of change was associated with weight loss and attendance. Treatment group and role limitations due to emotional problems were related to weight loss. The intervention group significantly increased their intake of fruits and vegetables.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study suggests that minimal interventions may be a method to reach populations that do not have access to more intensive treatments for weight management.
Boutelle
K N
KN
University of Minnesota, Department of Pediatrics, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. boutelle@umn.edu
Dubbert
P
P
Vander Weg
M
M