Behavioral Mediators of Weight Loss in the SHED-IT Community Randomized Controlled Trial for Overweight and Obese Men. Issue 2 (24th October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Young, Myles D.; Lubans, David R.; Collins, Clare E.; Callister, Robin; Plotnikoff, Ronald C.; Morgan, Philip J.
• Is Part Of: Annals of behavioral medicine. Volume 49:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 286
• Page End: 292
• Publication Date: 2014-10-24
• Subjects: Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; Sick -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Behavioral Medicine; 616.0019
• DOI: 10.1007/s12160-014-9657-0
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-6612

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Little is known about which behavioral strategies are most important to target in weight loss interventions for men. Purpose: The aim of the current study was to identify behavioral mediators of weight loss in the male-only Self-Help, Exercise, and Diet using Information Technology (SHED-IT) community weight loss study. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with 159 overweight/obese men [mean (SD) age = 47.5 (11.0) years; body mass index = 32.7 (3.5) kg/m 2 ] assessed at baseline, 3 months (post-test) and 6 months (follow-up). Results: In an intention-to-treat, multiple-mediator model, the significant intervention effect on weight at 6 months (−3.70 kg; p < 0.001) was mediated by increases in physical activity (steps/day) and decreases in takeaway meals (kJ/day) and portion size at 3 months. The largest mediation effect was for physical activity (−0.6 kg; 95 % confidence interval −1.4, −0.1). Overall, the targeted mediators accounted for 47.0 % of the intervention's effect on weight. Conclusion: Step counts, takeaway food consumption, and portion sizes may be key areas to target in future weight loss programs for men (ACTRN12610000699066).