Effect Of Time-based Strategies On Weight Loss And Physical Activity In Overweight Individuals

Abstract

Obesity is a major health problem in the US. Activity may enhance weight loss and fitness. It is possible that providing additional behavioral strategies targeted at either the adoption or maintenance phase may increase activity and weight loss. PURPOSE To evaluate the effectiveness of time-based behavioral strategies on body weight and activity in overweight individuals participating in a behavioral weight loss program. METHODS Seventy-seven individuals (age =44±7.9 yrs; BMI = 32±3.8 kg/m2) were randomized to 1 of 3 treatment groups, with 64 (83%) completing 6 months of treatment. The standard intervention included reducing energy intake to 1200–1500 kcal/d, increasing exercise to 200 min/wk, and attending a weekly group session for 24 weeks (STD). In addition to the standard intervention, the adoption group (ADOPT) received biweekly calls weeks 1–12, one weekly supervised exercise session for 6 months, and a pedometer campaign to increase activity. The maintenance group (MAINT) received the standard intervention, biweekly calls weeks 13–24, with the supervised exercise sessions and the pedometer campaign to be received from months 7–18. Weight, activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed at 0 and 6 months. Activity was collected using the Paffenbarger Questionnaire with a submaximal graded exercise test used to assess fitness. RESULTS ANOVA was used to assess group and time effects. Results showed significant reductions in weight, with increases in cardiorespiratory fitness and activity in all groups from baseline to 6 months (p<0.05). However, there were no differences between groups for any of the outcome variables. Data are presented in Table 1.Table 1CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that additional behavioral strategies added to a standard behavioral weight loss intervention do not improve weight loss, fitness, or activity compared to a 6 month standard intervention. Participants are being followed for 18 months to examine if the impact of these strategies may be more effective in improving the long-term weight loss, fitness and physical activity outcomes.