Abstract MP15: Innovative Self-Regulation Strategies Reduce Weight Gain in Young Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Young adults gain an average of 2 pounds per year, increasing their risk for obesity and co-morbidities. To date, no approaches have successfully reduced this weight gain. The Study of Novel Approaches to Prevention of Weight Gain (SNAP) is a randomized clinical trial testing two innovative self-regulation interventions. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that both interventions would reduce weight change over an average follow-up of 3 years relative to a control. Methods: Participants age 18-35 with a BMI of 21-30 were recruited in Raleigh-Durham, NC and Providence, RI. The 599 participants included 27% from minority groups and 22% males, mean age 28.4 (SD 4.4) yrs and BMI 25.4 (2.6). The interventions were based on a self-regulation model, involving frequent self-weighing and changes in eating and activity if weight gain occurred. The SMALL changes approach focused on making small (100 calorie) changes in daily eating and exercise; LARGE changes emphasized larger initial changes in eating and exercise, to create a 5 to 10-pound buffer against anticipated weight gain. Interventions were delivered via 8 face-to-face group sessions in the first 4 months, followed by ongoing weight reporting and feedback and optional Internet refreshers. CONTROL received one face-to-face session. Assessments were at baseline, 4 months, and then annually. Results: Data collection ends 12/31/14; final results will be presented. Retention at year 3 is 87%. Currently, mean (SE) weight changes across 3 years differ significantly between the groups (see Fig 1); for LARGE, mean weight loss is -2.48 (0.22) kg, which differs significantly from -0.75 (0.22) kg loss in SMALL, and both differ from the +0.10 (0.22) kg gain in Control. For secondary outcomes of weight gain from baseline to 2 years and % gaining >1 lb at 2 years, both interventions significantly differed from Control, but not from each other. Conclusion: Self-regulation approaches using LARGE or SMALL change strategies reduce weight gain in young adults.