Web-Based Interventions Alone or Supplemented with Peer-Led Support or Professional Email Counseling for Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance in Women from Rural Communities: Results of a Clinical Trial

Authors

Patricia A. Hageman, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Carol H. Pullen, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Melody Hertzog, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Bunny J. Pozehl, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Christine Eisenhauer, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow
Linda S. Boeckner, University of Nebraska--LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2017

Citation

Journal of Obesity Volume 2017, Article ID 1602627, 21 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1602627

Comments

Copyright © 2017 Patricia A. Hageman et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License

Abstract

Objective. This trial compared the effectiveness of a web-based only (WO) intervention with web-based supplemented by peer-led discussion (WD) or professional email counseling (WE) across 3 phases to achieve weight loss and weight maintenance in women from underserved rural communities.

Methods. 301 women (BMI of 28–45 kg/m²) randomly assigned to groups participated in guided weight loss (baseline to 6 months), guided weight loss and maintenance (6 to 18 months), and self-managed weight maintenance (18 to 30 months).

Results. Retention was 88.7%, 76.5%, and 71.8% at 6, 18, and 30 months, respectively. Intent-to-treat analyses demonstrated no group differences in change in weight within any phases. At 6 months, observed mean (SD) weight loss was 5.1 (6.0) kg in WO, 4.1 (5.6) kg in WD, and 6.0 (6.3) kg in WE, with 42%, 38%, and 51%, respectively, meeting ≥ 5% weight loss. These proportions dropped by a third after phase 2 with no further change during phase 3.

Conclusion. Web-based interventions assisted women from rural communities in achieving 6-month weight loss, with weight regain by half at 30 months. No group differences were potentially due to the robust nature of the web-based intervention.