Randomized controlled trial of a novel lifestyle intervention used with or without meal replacements in work sites. Issue 2 (25th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Das, Sai Krupa; Silver, Rachel E.; Vail, Taylor A.; Chin, Meghan K.; Blanchard, Caroline M.; Dickinson, Stephanie L.; Chen, Xiwei; Ceglia, Lisa; Saltzman, Edward; Allison, David B.; Roberts, Susan B.
• Is Part Of: Obesity. Volume 31:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 374
• Page End: 389
• Publication Date: 2023-01-25
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.23636
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1930-7381

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Lifestyle interventions have had limited effectiveness in work sites when evaluated in randomized trials. This study assessed the effectiveness of a novel lifestyle intervention for weight loss (Healthy Weight for Living [HWL]) implemented with or without meal replacements (MR) in work sites. HWL used a new behavioral approach emphasizing reducing hunger and building healthy food preferences, and, unlike traditional lifestyle interventions, it did not require calorie counting. Methods: Twelve work sites were randomized to an 18‐month intervention ( n = 8; randomization within work sites to HWL, HWL + MR) or 6‐month wait‐listed control ( n = 4). Participants were employees with overweight or obesity ( N = 335; age = 48 [SD 10] years; BMI = 33 [6] kg/m 2 ; 83% female). HWL was group‐delivered in person or by videoconference. The primary outcome was 6‐month weight change; secondary outcomes included weight and cardiometabolic risk factors measured at 6, 12, and 18 months in intervention groups. Results: Mean 6‐month weight change was −8.8% (95% CI: −11.2% to −6.4%) for enrollees in HWL and −8.0% (−10.4% to −5.5%) for HWL + MR ( p < 0.001 for both groups vs. controls), with no difference between interventions ( p = 0.40). Clinically meaningful weight loss (≥5%) was maintained at 18 months in both groups ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: A new lifestyle intervention approach, deliverable by videoconference with or without MR, supported clinically impactful weight loss in employees.