Abstract
We implemented a volunteer-led community weight-loss program within the Tsuchiura City (Japan) routine health promotion program in 2015. Although the participants successfully decreased their body weight, there was a relatively high dropout rate. We interviewed a focus group after the intervention, revealing a lack of understanding about the weight-loss program. To address this issue, we planned to increase communication among the participants in the subsequent 2016 trial. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of weight loss and the dropout rate between the 2 interventions (2015 vs. 2016). METHODS: Participants were Tsuchiura residents with a body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2: 27 in 2015 (4 men, age 60.7 ± 4.0 years, BMI 29.7 ± 4.0 kg/m2) and 39 in 2016 (9 men, age 57.3 ± 11.0 years, BMI 28.8 ± 3.8 kg/m2). The weight-loss program was led by community volunteers who attended 4 to 5 training sessions (3 hours per session). The program consisted of 8 sessions (2 hour per session) over 3 months. Participants were instructed to maintain a well-balanced low-calorie diet targeting 1680 and 1200 kcal/day for men and women, respectively. In 2016, we added exercises, group activities, and cooking demonstrations to increase communication and deepen participants’ understanding of the weight-loss program. RESULTS: In 2015, 15 of 27 participants completed the 3-month program (dropout rate, 44.4%); their mean (95% confidence interval) weight loss was 6.7 (4.7–8.6) kg, corresponding to 8.7% of initial body weight. In 2016, 31 of 39 completed the program (dropout rate, 25.8%); their mean weight loss was 5.6 (4.5–6.6) kg, corresponding to 8.0% of initial body weight. A significant difference was found in the dropout rate (44.4% vs 25.8%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We reduced the dropout rate while obtaining equivalent weight loss by increasing communication among the participants during a volunteer-led community weight-loss program.
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