MedPath

Optimal Digital Weight Loss Treatment for Rural Individuals

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Overweight and Obesity
Interventions
Behavioral: Core
Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions
Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback
Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback
Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls
Registration Number
NCT06105957
Lead Sponsor
University of South Carolina
Brief Summary

Over 130 million adults in the US experience overweight and obesity, and rural communities experience significantly higher rates of obesity and related chronic diseases. Although lifestyle interventions successfully produce clinically significant weight losses, the availability of weight management programs is limited in rural areas. Digital interventions offer an attractive alternative for delivering lifestyle programs to rural populations. However, in-person behavioral obesity treatment programs achieve better weight losses than digital programs, likely because in-person programs typically include personnel-intensive "high touch" treatment components. Some studies indicate that having a human "behind the curtain" of a digital program through emailed feedback or with the addition of online group sessions can significantly increase weight loss. Therefore, the aims of this study are to increase the public health impact of digital obesity treatment for rural populations by simultaneously investigating 3 "high touch" intervention components. The investigators will conduct a highly efficient experiment with participants residing in non-urban areas recruited online from across the United States. Participants (N=616; 22% racial/ethnic minority; 40% male) will be randomized to: (1) weekly facilitated synchronous group video sessions (yes vs. no); (2) type of self-monitoring feedback received (counselor-crafted vs. pre-scripted); and (3) individual coaching calls (yes vs. no). These components will be layered onto our 24-week evidence-based, interactive digital weight loss program delivered to groups of eligible individuals. Based on the results of the experiment, The investigators will identify an optimized program in which each component (or combination of components) contributes meaningfully (at least 1.5 kg greater weight loss at 6-months) to enhanced weight loss. The investigators will also exploratory analyses of weight trajectories 6-months post-treatment (i.e., at 12-months) to elucidate extended impact of the specific components on weight control. Ultimately, this research will set the stage for confirming the most promising digital behavioral weight loss intervention that can be used without geographic borders to reduce obesity rates among rural residents and provide the evidence needed to establish best practice policies for broadly effective digital approaches to weight control.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
616
Inclusion Criteria
  • have a body mass index [BMI] > 25-55 kg/m2;

    • home address in a zip code classified as non-urban in the USDA Rural-Urban Commuting Area [RUCA] codes of 4-10);
    • have no physical limitations that prevent walking at a moderate pace for at least 10 minutes without stopping;
    • be able to provide informed consent;
    • have access to a smartphone and a computer or tablet with a video camera and stable access to the Internet (at home or work or some other stable source of access);
    • complete all screening and baseline questionnaires and activities.
Exclusion Criteria
  • only one member of a household may participate concurrently.
  • currently participating in another weight loss program, taking a weight loss medication, have a history of bariatric surgery, or lost ≥ 10 pounds during the past 6-months;
  • are pregnant, lactating, less than 6 months post-partum, or plan to become pregnant during the time frame of the investigation;
  • report a medical condition that would affect the safety and/or efficacy of a weight management program involving diet and physical activity (e.g., uncontrolled heart condition, dementia, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder, or other significant psychiatric problems);
  • or report conditions that in the judgment of the one of the Principal Investigators (MPIs) would render them unlikely to be able to independently follow the intervention protocol for 6 months, including conditions which might comprise their ability to engage independently with the intervention website materials, provide self-monitoring information on a smartphone app, attend Zoom video group or individual sessions at the available times (if randomized to receive these treatment components), and complete online questionnaires.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
FACTORIAL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Pre-Scripted FeedbackPre-Scripted FeedbackBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages constructed from a bank of pre-scripted messages that align with success, partial success, or absence of self-monitoring related to diet monitoring, physical activity, and self-weighing, as well as on weekly module engagement.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Pre-Scripted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsFacilitated Weekly Group SessionsBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages constructed from a bank of pre-scripted messages that align with success, partial success, or absence of self-monitoring related to diet monitoring, physical activity, and self-weighing, as well as on weekly module engagement. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Counselor Crafted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsCounselor Crafted FeedbackBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages that are crafted by a trained professional based on their dietary, physical activity, and weight monitoring for the week as well as their completion of online modules, to construct an individualized feedback message. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Counselor Crafted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsIndividual Coaching CallsBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages that are crafted by a trained professional based on their dietary, physical activity, and weight monitoring for the week as well as their completion of online modules, to construct an individualized feedback message. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+ Counselor Crafted FeedbackCoreBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages that are crafted by a trained professional based on their dietary, physical activity, and weight monitoring for the week as well as their completion of online modules, to construct an individualized feedback message.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Counselor Crafted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsFacilitated Weekly Group SessionsBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages that are crafted by a trained professional based on their dietary, physical activity, and weight monitoring for the week as well as their completion of online modules, to construct an individualized feedback message. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Pre-Scripted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsIndividual Coaching CallsBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages constructed from a bank of pre-scripted messages that align with success, partial success, or absence of self-monitoring related to diet monitoring, physical activity, and self-weighing, as well as on weekly module engagement. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Counselor Crafted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsCoreBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages that are crafted by a trained professional based on their dietary, physical activity, and weight monitoring for the week as well as their completion of online modules, to construct an individualized feedback message. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Pre-Scripted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsCoreBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages constructed from a bank of pre-scripted messages that align with success, partial success, or absence of self-monitoring related to diet monitoring, physical activity, and self-weighing, as well as on weekly module engagement. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+ Counselor Crafted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsCoreBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages that are crafted by a trained professional based on their dietary, physical activity, and weight monitoring for the week as well as their completion of online modules, to construct an individualized feedback message. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Pre-Scripted FeedbackCoreBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages constructed from a bank of pre-scripted messages that align with success, partial success, or absence of self-monitoring related to diet monitoring, physical activity, and self-weighing, as well as on weekly module engagement.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Pre-Scripted FeedbackFacilitated Weekly Group SessionsBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages constructed from a bank of pre-scripted messages that align with success, partial success, or absence of self-monitoring related to diet monitoring, physical activity, and self-weighing, as well as on weekly module engagement.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Counselor Crafted FeedbackCoreBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages that are crafted by a trained professional based on their dietary, physical activity, and weight monitoring for the week as well as their completion of online modules, to construct an individualized feedback message.
Core+ Counselor Crafted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsIndividual Coaching CallsBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages that are crafted by a trained professional based on their dietary, physical activity, and weight monitoring for the week as well as their completion of online modules, to construct an individualized feedback message. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Pre-Scripted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsPre-Scripted FeedbackBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages constructed from a bank of pre-scripted messages that align with success, partial success, or absence of self-monitoring related to diet monitoring, physical activity, and self-weighing, as well as on weekly module engagement. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Counselor Crafted FeedbackFacilitated Weekly Group SessionsBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages that are crafted by a trained professional based on their dietary, physical activity, and weight monitoring for the week as well as their completion of online modules, to construct an individualized feedback message.
Core+Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions+Counselor Crafted FeedbackCounselor Crafted FeedbackBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Facilitated Weekly Group Sessions Participants will receive 24, 60-minute facilitated online video-conference-based weekly group sessions. Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages that are crafted by a trained professional based on their dietary, physical activity, and weight monitoring for the week as well as their completion of online modules, to construct an individualized feedback message.
Core+Pre-Scripted FeedbackCoreBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages constructed from a bank of pre-scripted messages that align with success, partial success, or absence of self-monitoring related to diet monitoring, physical activity, and self-weighing, as well as on weekly module engagement.
Core+ Counselor Crafted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsCounselor Crafted FeedbackBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages that are crafted by a trained professional based on their dietary, physical activity, and weight monitoring for the week as well as their completion of online modules, to construct an individualized feedback message. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+Pre-Scripted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsIndividual Coaching CallsBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages constructed from a bank of pre-scripted messages that align with success, partial success, or absence of self-monitoring related to diet monitoring, physical activity, and self-weighing, as well as on weekly module engagement. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+Pre-Scripted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsPre-Scripted FeedbackBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages constructed from a bank of pre-scripted messages that align with success, partial success, or absence of self-monitoring related to diet monitoring, physical activity, and self-weighing, as well as on weekly module engagement. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+ Counselor Crafted FeedbackCounselor Crafted FeedbackBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Counselor Crafted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages that are crafted by a trained professional based on their dietary, physical activity, and weight monitoring for the week as well as their completion of online modules, to construct an individualized feedback message.
Core+Pre-Scripted Feedback+Individual Coaching CallsCoreBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages constructed from a bank of pre-scripted messages that align with success, partial success, or absence of self-monitoring related to diet monitoring, physical activity, and self-weighing, as well as on weekly module engagement. Behavioral: Individual Coaching Calls Participants will receive 3 30-minute online one-on-one coaching calls to focus on identifying and addressing challenges to successful behavior change and weight loss.
Core+Pre-Scripted FeedbackPre-Scripted FeedbackBehavioral: Core The core intervention will include 24 online weekly behavioral modules, an online interactive discussion board, a physical activity tracker, an e-scale with recommendations for daily self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring via an app, as well as weekly calorie and physical activity goals. Behavioral: Pre-Scripted Feedback Participants will receive up to 24 weekly messages constructed from a bank of pre-scripted messages that align with success, partial success, or absence of self-monitoring related to diet monitoring, physical activity, and self-weighing, as well as on weekly module engagement.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in weight at 6 months6 months

The difference in weight between the randomization weight and the 6 month weight. Weight values will be obtained by an electronic scale provided to participants which transmits the data to the study server.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in weight at 12 months12 months

The difference in weight between the randomization weight and the 12 month weight. Weight values will be obtained by an electronic scale provided to participants which transmits the data to the study server.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of South Carolina

🇺🇸

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

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