Pellegrini, Christine Ann
(2010)
THE COMPARISON OF A TECHNOLOGY-BASED SYSTEM AND AN IN-PERSON BEHAVIORAL WEIGHT LOSS INTERVENTION IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE ADULTS.
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Standard behavioral weight loss programs typically result in a weight reduction of approximately 10%. These programs are generally intensive and therefore it is important to examine alternative methods, which may have the ability to enhance or produce similar outcomes. PURPOSE: To compare changes in body weight and physical activity between a technology-based system, an in-person behavioral weight loss intervention, and a combination of both over a 6-month period in overweight and obese adults. METHODS: Fifty-one subjects (Age: 44.2±8.7 years, BMI: 33.7±3.6 kg/m2) participated in a 6-month behavioral weight loss program and were randomized to one of three groups: Standard Behavioral Weight Loss (SBWL), SBWL Plus Technology-Based System (SBWL+FIT), or Technology-Based System alone (FIT). SBWL attended weekly group or individual meetings, were prescribed a diet of 1200-1800 kcal/day, and progressed from 100-300 minutes/week of moderate intensity physical activity. SBWL+FIT received the same components as SBWL plus the use of the BodyMedia FIT System that included an armband, display, and website to monitor energy expenditure and caloric intake. FIT was given the BodyMedia FIT System and received monthly telephone calls. Body weight and physical activity were assessed at 0 and 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 39 out of 51 subjects completed the 6 month assessments, with significant differences in retention rates between groups (SBWL: 53%, SBWL+FIT: 100%, and FIT: 77%) (p<0.05). Intent-to-treat analysis revealed significant weight losses at 6 months in SBWL+FIT (-8.8±5.0kg, -8.7±4.7%), SBWL (-3.7±5.7kg, -4.1±6.3%), and FIT (-5.8±6.6kg, -6.3±7.1%) (p<0.001), with a trend for greater weight loss in SBWL+FIT compared to SBWL (p=0.09). Self-report physical activity increased significantly in SBWL (473.9±800.7 kcal/week), SBWL+FIT (713.9±1278.8 kcal/week), and FIT (1066.2±1371 kcal/week) (p<0.001), with no differences between groups (p=0.25). DISCUSSION: The technology-based system used in conjunction with monthly telephone calls, produced similar, if not greater weight losses and changes in physical activity than the standard in-person behavioral program at 6 months. Furthermore, the addition of the technology system enhanced participant retention. Thus the use of this technology may reduce participant attrition as well provide an effective alternative to the standard in-person behavioral weight loss intervention.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
12 May 2010 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Defense Date: |
22 April 2010 |
| Approval Date: |
12 May 2010 |
| Submission Date: |
22 April 2010 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Education > Health, Physical, Recreational Education |
| Degree: |
PhD - Doctor of Philosophy |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
diet; physical activity; technology; weight loss |
| Other ID: |
http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-04222010-162113/, etd-04222010-162113 |
| Date Deposited: |
10 Nov 2011 19:41 |
| Last Modified: |
15 Nov 2016 13:41 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/7523 |
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