Improving weight loss outcomes of community interventions by incorporating behavioral strategies.
OBJECTIVE
We examined whether adding behavioral weight loss strategies could improve the outcomes of a community weight loss campaign.


METHODS
Shape Up RI is a 12-week, online, team-based program for health improvement in Rhode Island. In study 1, we randomly assigned participants to the standard Shape Up RI program or to the program plus video lessons on weight loss. In study 2, we randomly assigned participants to the standard program or to the program plus video lessons; daily self-monitoring of weight, eating, and exercise; and computer-generated feedback.


RESULTS
Adding video lessons alone (study 1) did not result in significantly improved weight loss (2.0 ±2.8 kg vs 1.4 ±2.9 kg; P = .15). However, when the video lessons were supplemented with self-monitoring and feedback (study 2), the average weight loss more than doubled (3.5 ±3.8 kg vs 1.4 ±2.7 kg; P < .01), and the proportion of individuals achieving a weight loss of 5% or more tripled (40.5% vs 13.2%; P < .01). Participants in study 2 submitted self-monitoring records on 78% of days, and adherence was significantly related to outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Adding behavioral strategies to community campaigns may improve weight loss outcomes with minimal additional cost.
Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA. rwing@lifespan.org
Rena R
RR
Wing
Melissa M
MM
Crane
J Graham
JG
Thomas
Rajiv
R
Kumar
Brad
B
Weinberg
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012237:Rhode Island; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014743:Videotape Recording; D015431:Weight Loss