Evaluating the feasibility and impact of interactive telephone technology and incentives when combined with a behavioral intervention for weight loss: a pilot study

Abstract

Correspondence: Mary Annette Hess School of Nursing, Room 436, 1701 University Boulevard, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35294-1210, USA Tel +1 205 934 0479 Fax +1 205 996 7183 Email wrighta@uab.edu Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of delivering the ‘EatRight Lifestyle’ program as an educational weight loss program when combined with a system for behavior-based incentives (ie, ChipRewards). Participants (N = 70) were randomly assigned to one of two interventions over a 12-week period: (1) ‘EatRight Lifestyle’ only (control), and (2) ‘EatRight Lifestyle plus ChipRewards’. From baseline to the 12-week visit, the overall attrition rate was 27.14% (n = 19). A completers only and an intent-to-treat repeated measures analysis of covariance was conducted on the outcome measures (ie, weight loss, change in blood glucose) for the baseline and 12-week visit. It was found that waist circumference decreased slightly for those in the ‘EatRight Lifestyle plus ChipRewards’ program; however, BMI and weight was slightly more reduced for those who were more compliant to the study protocol in general, regardless of group assignment. No other time or group differences were detected. This study showed that these two weight loss programs did not produce drastically differential effects on these outcome measures.