Optimization of remotely delivered intensive lifestyle treatment for obesity using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy: Opt-IN study protocol.
Obesity-attributable medical expenditures remain high, and interventions that are both effective and cost-effective have not been adequately developed. The Opt-IN study is a theory-guided trial using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) to develop an optimized, scalable version of a technology-supported weight loss intervention.



Opt-IN aims to identify which of 5 treatment components or component levels contribute most meaningfully and cost-efficiently to the improvement of weight loss over a 6 month period.



Five hundred and sixty obese adults (BMI 30-40 kg/m(2)) between 18 and 60 years old will be randomized to one of 16 conditions in a fractional factorial design involving five intervention components: treatment intensity (12 vs. 24 coaching calls), reports sent to primary care physician (No vs. Yes), text messaging (No vs. Yes), meal replacement recommendations (No vs. Yes), and training of a participant's self-selected support buddy (No vs. Yes). During the 6-month intervention, participants will monitor weight, diet, and physical activity on the Opt-IN smartphone application downloaded to their personal phone. Weight will be assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months.



The Opt-IN trial is the first study to use the MOST framework to develop a weight loss treatment that will be optimized to yield the best weight loss outcome attainable for $500 or less.
Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, United States. Electronic address: c-pellegrini@northwestern.edu.
Christine A
CA
Pellegrini
Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.
Sara A
SA
Hoffman
The Methodology Center, Department of Human Development & Family Studies, 400 Calder Square II, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, United States.
Linda M
LM
Collins
Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.
Bonnie
B
Spring
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D040421:Cell Phone; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D063731:Mobile Applications; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012107:Research Design; D012944:Social Support; D060145:Text Messaging; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
Optimization; Technology; Weight loss