Prevention Of Weight Gain In Adults Research Articles

Behaviour Change Techniques in Weight Gain Prevention Interventions in Adults of Reproductive Age: Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

Weight gain prevention interventions are likely to be more effective with the inclusion of behaviour change techniques. However, evidence on which behaviour change techniques (BCT) are most effective for preventing weight gain and improving lifestyle (diet and physical activity) is limited, especially in reproductive-aged adults. This meta-analysis and meta-regression aimed to identify BCT associated with changes in weight, energy intake and physical activity in reproductive-aged adults. BCT were identified using the BCT Taxonomy (v1) from each intervention. Meta-regression analyses were used to identify BCT associated with change in weight, energy intake and physical activity. Thirty-four articles were included with twenty-nine articles for the meta-analysis. Forty-three of the ninety-three possible BCT listed in the taxonomy were identified in the included studies. Feedback on behaviour and Graded tasks were significantly associated with less weight gain, and Review behaviour goals was significantly associated with lower energy intake. No individual BCT were significantly associated with physical activity. Our analysis provides further evidence for which BCT are most effective in weight gain prevention interventions. The findings support that the use of key BCT within interventions can contribute to successful weight gain prevention in adults of reproductive age.

Self‐Weighing and Visual Feedback Has Long Term Effects on Weight Gain Prevention in Adults

The primary objective of this study was to assess long‐term impact of a self‐monitoring intervention on weight 30 months after participating in a two‐year weight reduction and maintenance study. In 2010, 178 adults were recruited and randomly assigned to a control or experimental. Participants randomly assigned to the control group were tracked for the first year, then given access to the intervention: daily weighing using a bathroom scale paired with an internet program designed to prompt slow weight loss via the display of a graphical line representing the user's weight and weight loss target. Thirty months after the study's commencement, participants were re‐conacted and 42 agreed to a follow‐up survey and to relog their weight. We found that 30 months after the completion of the study, participants’ weight change were not statistically different from zero, signifying weight maintenance (p = 0.87). This analysis suggests that for some individuals, a self‐monitoring intervention focusing on weight appears to be an effective self‐guided strategy for long term weight loss. Future research and weight maintenance programs may consider the addition of this strategy for long term weight gain prevention.

Results From an Intervention to Improve Rural Home Food and Physical Activity Environments

Ecological models of healthy eating and physical activity emphasize the influence of behavioral settings such as homes and worksites in shaping behavior. Research on home environments suggests that both social and physical aspects of the home may impact physical activity and healthy eating. Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, the Emory Prevention Research Center (EPRC), Cancer Coalition of South Georgia, and the EPRC's Community Advisory Board (CAB) designed and tested a coach-based intervention to make the home environment more supportive of healthy eating and physical activity for rural adults. The 6-week intervention consisted of a tailored home environment profile, goal-setting, and behavioral contracting delivered through two home visits and two telephone calls. The study used a quasi-experimental design with data collected via telephone interviews at baseline, 2 and 4 months post-baseline. Ninety households (n = 90) completed all three telephone interviews. Multilevel models indicated that intervention households reported significant improvements in household food inventories, purchasing of fruit and vegetables, healthier meal preparation, meals with the TV off, and family support for healthy eating, relative to comparison households. Intervention households also reported increased exercise equipment and family support for physical activity relative to comparison households. Percent of fat intake decreased significantly, but no changes were observed for fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, or weight among intervention relative to comparison households, although trends were generally in a positive direction. Coaching combined with a focus on the home environment may be a promising strategy for weight gain prevention in adults.