Equivalent weight loss for weight management programs delivered by phone and clinic. (25th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Donnelly, Joseph E.; Goetz, Jeannine; Gibson, Cheryl; Sullivan, Debra K.; Lee, Robert; Smith, Bryan K.; Lambourne, Kate; Mayo, Matthew S.; Hunt, Suzanne; Lee, Jae Hoon; Honas, Jeffrey J.; Washburn, Richard A.
• Is Part Of: Obesity. Volume 21:Number 10(2013:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1951
• Page End: 1959
• Publication Date: 2013-05-25
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.20334
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1930-7381

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="oby20334-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>Face‐to‐face (FTF) weight management is costly and presents barriers for individuals seeking treatment; thus, alternate delivery systems are needed. The objective of this study was to compare weight management delivered by FTF clinic or group conference calls (phone).</p> </sec> <sec id="oby20334-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design and Methods</title> <p>Randomized equivalency trial in 295 overweight/obese men/women (BMI = 35.1±4.9, Age = 43.8±10.2, Minority = 39.8%). Weight loss (0‐6 months) was achieved by reducing energy intake between 1, 200 and 1, 500 kcal/day and progressing physical activity (PA) to 300 min/week. Weight maintenance (7‐18 months) provided adequate energy to maintain weight and continued 300 min/week of PA. Behavioral weight management strategies were delivered weekly for 6 months and gradually reduced during 7‐18 months. A cost analysis provided a comparison of expenses between groups.</p> </sec> <sec id="oby20334-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Weight change from baseline to 6 months was −13.4 ± 6.7% and −12.3 ± 7.0% for FTF clinic and phone, respectively. Weight change from 6‐18 months was 6.4 ± 7.0% and 6.4 ± 5.2%, for FTF clinic and phone, respectively. The cost to FTF participants was $789.58 more per person.</p> </sec> <sec id="oby20334-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Phone delivery provided equivalent weight loss and maintenance and reduced program cost. Ubiquitous access to phones provides a vast reach for this approach.</p> </sec> </abstract>