Comparison of methods for delivering a lifestyle modification program for obese patients: a randomized trial.
BACKGROUND
Physicians frequently prescribe medications for weight loss but offer minimal lifestyle counseling despite the additional benefits of combining both interventions.


OBJECTIVE
To compare 5 methods of delivering a lifestyle modification program to obese patients receiving sibutramine.


METHODS
Randomized, 6-month, open-label study. Participants were assigned to intervention groups by using a computer-generated schedule of randomly permuted blocks. Block length was 5.


METHODS
12 independent research clinics with experience running obesity trials.


METHODS
376 patients with obesity (body mass index > or =30 and <40 kg/m(2)).


METHODS
High-frequency face-to-face lifestyle modification counseling (HF-F2F) (n = 74), low-frequency face-to-face counseling (LF-F2F) (n = 76), high-frequency telephone counseling (HF-TEL) (n = 76), high-frequency e-mail counseling (HF-EMAIL) (n = 74), or no dietitian contact (self-help [SELF]) (n = 76). All participants received sibutramine, 10 mg/d; a lifestyle manual; and access to a weight-loss Web site.


METHODS
Percentage change in body weight at 6 months was the primary outcome. Secondary end points included changes in waist circumference; lipid, glucose, and insulin levels; blood pressure; weight-related symptoms; and quality of life at 6 months.


RESULTS
At 6 months, the mean weight loss, relative to baseline, in the HF-F2F and HF-TEL groups was similar (8.9% [95% CI, 8.0% to 9.8%] and 7.7% [CI, 6.8% to 8.7%]) and significantly greater than that in the other groups (LF-F2F, 6.4% [CI, 5.4% to 7.3%]; HF-EMAIL, 5.9% [CI, 5.0% to 6.8%]; and SELF, 5.2% [CI, 4.3% to 6.1%]). All groups showed significant improvements in waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and measures of quality of life and weight-related symptoms. There were no serious adverse events and no differences in minor events among groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Most participants were women, and the attrition rate was 30%.


CONCLUSIONS
High-frequency telephone contact with a dietitian was similar to HF-F2F contact for supporting lifestyle modification in obese patients trying to lose weight. The findings might be used by providers and health systems to promote healthy lifestyle changes for their patients.


BACKGROUND
Pfizer Global Research and Development.
Digenio
Andres G
AG
Pfizer, South Lyme, Connecticut, USA. agdvdb@aol.com
Mancuso
James P
JP
Gerber
Robert A
RA
Dvorak
Roman V
RV
D000328:Adult; D001067:Appetite Depressants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D003503:Cyclobutanes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055105:Waist Circumference; D015431:Weight Loss
D001067:Appetite Depressants; D003503:Cyclobutanes; C058254:sibutramine