Applying a technology-based system for weight loss in adults with obesity.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare an in-person, group-based behavioral weight loss intervention to technology-based interventions in adults with obesity.


METHODS
Adults (N= 39; body mass index: 39.5 ± 2.8 kg m-2; age: 39.9 ± 11.5 years) participated in a 6-month program with randomization to one of three intervention groups: standard behavioral weight loss, a technology-based system combined with a monthly intervention telephone call (TECH) or an enhanced technology-based system combined with a monthly intervention telephone call (EN-TECH). All groups were prescribed an energy-restricted diet and physical activity. Assessments occurred at 0, 3 and 6 months. Separate mixed-effects models using unstructured dependence structure were fit to the outcomes.


RESULTS
Weight loss (least square means ± standard error) at 6 months was -6.57 ± 1.65 kg in standard behavioral weight loss, -5.18 ± 1.72 kg in TECH and -6.25 ± 1.95 kg in EN-TECH (p-value for time effect ≤ 0.0001). A similar pattern was observed for change in body mass index, waist circumference and percent body fat. There was a decrease in total energy intake (p= 0.0005) and percent dietary fat intake (p= 0.0172), and physical activity increased (p= 0.0003).


CONCLUSIONS
Findings provide initial information on the use of technology-based interventions that include wearable devices combined with brief monthly telephone calls for weight loss in adults with obesity.
Department of Health and Physical Activity, Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA.
R J
RJ
Rogers
Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Biostatistical Sciences Wake Forest University Winston-Salem NC USA.
W
W
Lang
Department of Health and Physical Activity, Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA.
B
B
Barone Gibbs
Department of Health and Physical Activity, Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA.
K K
KK
Davis
School of Nursing, Health and Community Systems University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA.
L E
LE
Burke
Department of Health and Physical Activity, Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA.
S J
SJ
Kovacs
Department of Health and Physical Activity, Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA.
L A
LA
Portzer
Department of Health and Physical Activity, Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA USA.
J M
JM
Jakicic
e‐health; m‐health; obesity; weight loss