A Technology-Based Intervention for the Reduction of Overweight and Obesity Among College Students

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Overweight and Obesity

• Registration Number: NCT02196012
• Lead Sponsor: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and acceptability and efficacy of a two month technology-based weight loss program for overweight and obese college students.

Detailed Description

A randomized controlled trial design will be employed to investigate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a technology-based weight loss pilot intervention for the reduction of overweight and obesity in college students. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (1) 8-week intervention group, or (2) 8-week attention control group. Both conditions include 8 weekly lessons over 8 weeks. Undergraduate students (n=100) age 18-22 years who are overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) will be recruited from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Measurements will be taken at baseline and 8 weeks. Since the study is a technology-based intervention, research staff will collect height and weight measures for BMI through a novel approach, utilizing Skype video conferencing.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2013-09
• Study First Submitted: 2014-04-28
• Primary Completion: 2014-05
• Study Completion: 2014-06
• Status Verified: 2014-07
• Study First Submitted QC: 2014-07-18
• Last Update Submitted: 2014-07-18
• Study First Posted: 2014-07-21
• Last Update Posted: 2014-07-21

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 23

Inclusion Criteria

• Eligibility will include UTK undergraduate students who are overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and between 18-22 years of age, with access to the Internet, a personal computer (laptop, tablet, or desktop computer), and a smartphone.

Exclusion Criteria

• Any individual who does not meet all the inclusion criteria will be excluded from participation in the study.
• Students who have a medical condition that precludes adherence to dietary recommendations
• Who are currently prescribed medications that may impact weight, or who are currently participating in or planning to participate in another weight loss programs in the next six months
• Who have been diagnosed with a major psychiatric illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or depression) within the last 12 months
• Who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the next six months
• Who have given birth within the last six months
• Who have been diagnosed with any type of eating disorder within the past 12 months will be ineligible.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
body mass index (BMI)	2 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
feasibility	2 months	A mixed methods approach, including online surveys and focus groups, was employed to assess the feasibility of the pilot study. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment and retention data and self-reported records of participant engagement.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Tennessee; 🇺🇸 Knoxville, Tennessee, United States