Standard behavioral weight loss programs typically result in a weight reduction of approximately 10%. These programs are generally intensive and therefore it is important to examine alternative methods, which may have the ability to enhance or produce similar outcomes. PURPOSE: To compare changes in body weight and physical activity between a technology-based system, an in-person behavioral weight loss intervention, and a combination of both over a 6-month period in overweight and obese adults. METHODS: Fifty-one subjects (Age: 44.2±8.7 years, BMI: 33.7±3.6 kg/m2) participated in a 6-month behavioral weight loss program and were randomized to one of three groups: Standard Behavioral Weight Loss (SBWL), SBWL Plus Technology-Based System (SBWL+FIT), or Technology-Based System alone (FIT). SBWL attended weekly group or individual meetings, were prescribed a diet of 1200-1800 kcal/day, and progressed from 100-300 minutes/week of moderate intensity physical activity. SBWL+FIT received the same components as SBWL plus the use of the BodyMedia FIT System that included an armband, display, and website to monitor energy expenditure and caloric intake. FIT was given the BodyMedia FIT System and received monthly telephone calls. Body weight and physical activity were assessed at 0 and 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 39 out of 51 subjects completed the 6 month assessments, with significant differences in retention rates between groups (SBWL: 53%, SBWL+FIT: 100%, and FIT: 77%) (p<0.05). Intent-to-treat analysis revealed significant weight losses at 6 months in SBWL+FIT (-8.8±5.0kg, -8.7±4.7%), SBWL (-3.7±5.7kg, -4.1±6.3%), and FIT (-5.8±6.6kg, -6.3±7.1%) (p<0.001), with a trend for greater weight loss in SBWL+FIT compared to SBWL (p=0.09). Self-report physical activity increased significantly in SBWL (473.9±800.7 kcal/week), SBWL+FIT (713.9±1278.8 kcal/week), and FIT (1066.2±1371 kcal/week) (p<0.001), with no differences between groups (p=0.25). DISCUSSION: The technology-based system used in conjunction with monthly telephone calls, produced similar, if not greater weight losses and changes in physical activity than the standard in-person behavioral program at 6 months. Furthermore, the addition of the technology system enhanced participant retention. Thus the use of this technology may reduce participant attrition as well provide an effective alternative to the standard in-person behavioral weight loss intervention.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PITT/oai:PITTETD:etd-04222010-162113 |
| Date | 12 May 2010 |
| Creators | Pellegrini, Christine Ann |
| Contributors | John Jakicic, Amy Otto, Kelliann Davis, Diane Helsel |
| Publisher | University of Pittsburgh |
| Source Sets | University of Pittsburgh |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-04222010-162113/ |
| Rights | unrestricted, I hereby certify that, if appropriate, I have obtained and attached hereto a written permission statement from the owner(s) of each third party copyrighted matter to be included in my thesis, dissertation, or project report, allowing distribution as specified below. I certify that the version I submitted is the same as that approved by my advisory committee. I hereby grant to University of Pittsburgh or its agents the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible, under the conditions specified below, my thesis, dissertation, or project report in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I retain all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis, dissertation or project report. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis, dissertation, or project report. |
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