Randomized trial of two mind-body interventions for weight-loss maintenance.
OBJECTIVE
Regain of weight after initial weight loss constitutes a major factor contributing to the escalating obesity epidemic. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and clinical impact of two mind-body interventions for weight-loss maintenance.


METHODS
Randomized, balanced, controlled trial.


METHODS
Large-group model health maintenance organization.


METHODS
Overweight and obese adults were recruited to a 12-week behavioral weight-loss program. Participants meeting threshold weight loss and attendance requirements were eligible for randomization.


METHODS
The three weight-loss maintenance interventions were qigong (QI), Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT (registered trademark of Tapas Fleming, L.Ac.), and a self-directed support (SDS) group as an attention control.


RESULTS
The main outcome measure was weight loss maintenance at 24 weeks postrandomization. Patient interviews explored additional benefits of the interventions, as well as barriers and facilitators to compliance.


RESULTS
Eighty-eight percent (88%) of randomized patients completed the study. There were no significant study-related adverse events. At 24 weeks, the TAT group maintained 1.2 kg more weight loss than the SDS group did (p = 0.09), and 2.8 kg more weight loss than the QI group did (p = 0.00), only regaining 0.1 kg. A separation test (0.05 level, 0.95 power) indicated that TAT merits further study. A secondary analysis revealed that participants reporting a previous history of recurrent unsuccessful weight loss were more likely to regain weight if assigned to the SDS arm, but this effect was suppressed in both the QI and TAT groups (p = 0.03). Although QI participants reported important general health benefits, the instruction sequence was too brief, given the complexity of the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
TAT warrants further research for weight-loss maintenance. Any further research on qigong should use a modification of our protocol.
Elder
Charles
C
Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR 97227, USA. Charles.Elder@KPCHR.ORG
Ritenbaugh
Cheryl
C
Mist
Scott
S
Aickin
Mikel
M
Schneider
Jennifer
J
Zwickey
Heather
H
Elmer
Pat
P
D019050:Acupressure; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012107:Research Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss