Abstract
SummaryMulticomponent behavior change interventions are typically used in weight management, but results are largely heterogeneous and modest. Determining which techniques (behavior change technique [BCTs]) are more effective in changing behavior is thus required. This study aimed to identify the most effective BCTs for increasing physical activity (PA) in digital and face‐to‐face behavior change interventions in adults with overweight/obesity. Four databases were searched for eligible studies until October 2019. BCTs were coded using BCTTv1 and MBCT taxonomies. Sixty‐two RCTs were included. Meta‐regressions were performed to explore BCTs' moderating role. Five BCTs showed significant moderator effects on PA in digital interventions: goal setting behavior, goal setting outcome, graded tasks, social incentive, and self‐monitoring of behavior (adjusted R 2's = 0.15–0.51). One BCT showed significant moderator effects on PA in face‐to‐face interventions, behavioral practice and rehearsal (adjusted R 2 = 0.22). Multivariate and sensitivity analysis generally led to similar findings. Effective BCTs for increasing PA in adults with overweight/obesity in digital and face‐to‐face interventions seem to differ. Evidence suggests that using goal setting, social incentive, and graded tasks might help improve PA in digital interventions while avoiding inconsistent self‐monitoring of behavior. In face‐to‐face interventions, prompting behavioral practice and rehearsal might lead to better PA outcomes. Still, further studies are needed. Implications of the current findings are discussed.
Highlights
Obesity prevalence increased to pandemic proportions from 1975 to 2016, reaching approximately 20% worldwide.[1]
Interventions designed to change weight-related behaviors generally include many components and typically produce small effects, though with considerable heterogeneity in effectiveness.[3,4]. This calls for further investigation into the identification of the most effective intervention components in promoting successful weight management and related behaviors like physical activity (PA).[5]
A new taxonomy on motivational behavior change techniques (MBCTs) was produced very recently.[9]. The use of both these taxonomies as the base for coding and identifying the active ingredients (BCTs) in behavioral interventions will allow for the examination of those that are more likely to lead to more successful/favorable outcomes in a more comprehensive way and allow to design more effective interventions and improve the use of limited resources.[10]
Summary
Obesity prevalence increased to pandemic proportions from 1975 to 2016, reaching approximately 20% worldwide.[1]. Prior systematic reviews[7,8] have confirmed the feasibility of using this taxonomy for thorough methodical analyses of behavior change interventions Still, this taxonomy is not exhaustive, as it leaves out BCTs related to the interpersonal motivational climate. This taxonomy is not exhaustive, as it leaves out BCTs related to the interpersonal motivational climate To overcome this shortcoming, a new taxonomy on motivational behavior change techniques (MBCTs) was produced very recently.[9] The use of both these taxonomies as the base for coding and identifying the active ingredients (BCTs) in behavioral interventions will allow for the examination of those that are more likely to lead to more successful/favorable outcomes in a more comprehensive way and allow to design more effective interventions and improve the use of limited resources.[10]
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