title: A randomized trial testing the efficacy of a novel approach to weight loss among men with overweight and obesity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To test the efficacy of a weight loss intervention designed to appeal to men.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized trial tested the efficacy of the Rethinking Eating and FITness (REFIT) weight loss program compared to a wait-list control. The 6-month intervention was delivered via two face-to-face sessions followed by Internet contacts. REFIT encouraged participants to create calorie deficits by making six 100-calorie changes to their eating daily while increasing physical activity, and the program encouraged customization through selection of specific diet strategies evaluated each week.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants (N = 107, 44.2 years, 31.4 kg/m(2) , 76.6% white) were randomized into the study, and 90.6% provided data at 6 months. REFIT participants lost -5.0 kg (95% CI: -6.1, -3.9) at 3 months, which was maintained through 6 months (-5.3 kg, 95% CI: -6.5, -4.2); this was greater than the control group (p < 0.001; 6 months: -0.6, 95% CI: -1.8, 0.5). More REFIT participants (49%) achieved a 5% weight loss than control participants (19%; OR 9.4; 95% CI: 3.2, 27.4). An average of 11.2 (±2.7) of 13 of the online intervention contacts were completed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The novel REFIT intervention produced clinically significant weight losses. This approach holds promise as an alternative to traditional behavioral therapy for men.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Melissa M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Crane
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Lesley D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Lutes
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Dianne S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: J Michael
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bowling
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.|Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Deborah F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Tate
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D031204:Caloric Restriction / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D004435:Eating / Q000523:psychology; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods*
keywords: behavioral therapy; men; weight loss