Treating obesity with a novel hand-held device, computer software program, and Internet technology in primary care: the SMART motivational trial.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term motivational effect of a technology-based weight reduction program for obese adults.


METHODS
One hundred and eleven obese (37.0+/-5.8 kg/m(2)) middle aged (45.5+/-10.8 years) adults (62% female) were randomly assigned to a usual care or experimental (SMART: self-monitoring and resting metabolic rate technology) group. The usual care group received a standard nutritional program in accordance to national guidelines. All participants received a comprehensive weight management program consisting of motivational interviewing (MI) sessions and automated e-mail behavioral newsletters. Bodyweight, arterial blood pressure, and psychobehavioral constructs were assessed over 12 weeks.


RESULTS
Completer analysis (n=80) indicated a significant improvement in bodyweight (-3.9%), systolic arterial pressure (-4 mmHg), and all motivational constructs following the 12-week study (p<or=.05). However, there were no significant differences between groups at any time period.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on these data, a 12-week comprehensive weight reduction program consisting of MI and automated e-mail behavioral newsletters with or without SMART is efficacious in treating obese adults.


CONCLUSIONS
Although both treatment programs were equally effective, clinicians should consider a treatment program that meets the need of the patient. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00750022.
McDoniel
Scott O
SO
College of Health Sciences, Walden University, USA.
Wolskee
Patricia
P
Shen
Jeff
J
D000328:Adult; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D003120:Colorado; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D003376:Counseling; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005260:Female; D055991:Health Records, Personal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D015431:Weight Loss