Pounds Off Digitally study: a randomized podcasting weight-loss intervention.
BACKGROUND
As obesity rates rise, new weight-loss methods are needed. Little is known about the use of podcasting (audio files for a portable music player or computer) to promote weight loss, despite its growing popularity.


METHODS
A 12-week RCT was conducted.


METHODS
The study sample comprised overweight men and women (BMI=25-40 kg/m(2); n=78) in the Raleigh-Durham NC area.


METHODS
In 2008, participants were randomly assigned to receive 24 episodes of a currently available weight-loss podcast (control podcast) or a weight-loss podcast based on social cognitive theory (SCT) designed by the researchers (enhanced podcast) for 12 weeks.


METHODS
Weight was measured on a digital scale at baseline and follow-up. Both groups also completed questionnaires assessing demographic information, food intake, physical activity, and SCT constructs at the introductory and 12-week meetings. Additional questionnaires at the 12-week meeting assessed perceptions of the intervention.


RESULTS
Data collection and analysis occurred in 2008 and intention-to-treat was used. Enhanced group participants (n=41) had a greater decrease in weight (-2.9+/-3.5 kg enhanced group vs -0.3+/-2.1 control group; p<0.001 between groups) and BMI (-1.0+/-1.2 kg/m(2) enhanced group vs -0.1+/-0.7 kg/m(2) control group; p<0.001 between groups) than the control group (n=37) and had greater weight-loss-related knowledge (p<0.05), elaboration (p<0.001), and user control (p<0.001) and less cognitive load (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that the use of behavioral, theory-based podcasting may be an effective way to promote weight loss.


BACKGROUND
NCT00771095.
Turner-McGrievy
Gabrielle M
GM
Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7461, USA. brie@unc.edu
Campbell
Marci K
MK
Tate
Deborah F
DF
Truesdale
Kimberly P
KP
Bowling
J Michael
JM
Crosby
Lelia
L
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D003146:Communications Media; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss