title: Equivalent weight loss for weight management programs delivered by phone and clinic.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Face-to-face (FTF) weight management is costly and presents barriers for individuals seeking treatment; thus, alternate delivery systems are needed. The objective of this study was to compare weight management delivered by FTF clinic or group conference calls (phone).
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized equivalency trial in 295 overweight/obese men/women (BMI = 35.1±4.9, Age = 43.8±10.2, Minority = 39.8%). Weight loss (0-6 months) was achieved by reducing energy intake between 1,200 and 1,500 kcal/day and progressing physical activity (PA) to 300 min/week. Weight maintenance (7-18 months) provided adequate energy to maintain weight and continued 300 min/week of PA. Behavioral weight management strategies were delivered weekly for 6 months and gradually reduced during 7-18 months. A cost analysis provided a comparison of expenses between groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Weight change from baseline to 6 months was -13.4 ± 6.7% and -12.3 ± 7.0% for FTF clinic and phone, respectively. Weight change from 6-18 months was 6.4 ± 7.0% and 6.4 ± 5.2%, for FTF clinic and phone, respectively. The cost to FTF participants was $789.58 more per person.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Phone delivery provided equivalent weight loss and maintenance and reduced program cost. Ubiquitous access to phones provides a vast reach for this approach.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, USA.
authors: Joseph E
authors: JE
authors: Donnelly
authors: Jeannine
authors: J
authors: Goetz
authors: Cheryl
authors: C
authors: Gibson
authors: Debra K
authors: DK
authors: Sullivan
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Lee
authors: Bryan K
authors: BK
authors: Smith
authors: Kate
authors: K
authors: Lambourne
authors: Matthew S
authors: MS
authors: Mayo
authors: Suzanne
authors: S
authors: Hunt
authors: Jae Hoon
authors: JH
authors: Lee
authors: Jeffrey J
authors: JJ
authors: Honas
authors: Richard A
authors: RA
authors: Washburn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000191:economics*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000191:economics; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy; D050177:Overweight / Q000628:therapy; D013689:Telephone / Q000191:economics*; D055105:Waist Circumference; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*