A Non-Inferiority Trial Comparing Synchronous and Asynchronous Remotely Delivered Lifestyle Interventions
University of Connecticut
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a group-based digital weight loss program that is delivered asynchronously (via an online platform) is as effective as one that is delivered synchronously (via weekly videoconference meetings). In the asynchronous condition, participants can engage with their group any time 24/7. In the synchronous condition, participants can engage with their group once a week at a videoconference meeting. The main questions it aims to answer are: Will participants in each condition lose about the same amount of weight? Will the participants in the asynchronous condition participate more than those in the synchronous condition? Will the participants in the asynchronous condition feel more connected to each other than those in the synchronous condition? Will the asynchronous condition cost less to deliver per pound lost than the synchronous condition? Participants will: Receive a digital weight loss program that lasts 1 year and then volunteer participants will be selected to lead the group for 1 year following the program, a phase called the "peer-led weight loss maintenance phase." Complete study assessments at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.
Description
Lifestyle interventions have had established efficacy for decades but they are costly and have poor scalability. Remotely-delivered lifestyle interventions have increased the potential for scale and systematic reviews have found that they are effective, especially those that include human coaching. Some remote lifestyle interventions are synchronous, such that they are delivered via videoconferencing or phone. Other remote lifestyle interventions are asynchronous, such that they are delivered via online platforms that allow for clinicians and patients to engage via text exchanges or via online…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * BMI 27-45 * has Bluetooth or wifi connectivity at home (for scale) * goes on Facebook at least 5 days per week over the past 2 weeks * has posted/replied at least once a week in the past 2 weeks (per self-report) * has a smart phone Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or lactating or plans to during study period * bipolar disorder, substance abuse, psychosis, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or severe depression * had bariatric surgery or plans to during the study * currently taking meds affecting weight * lost ≥5% of weight in past 6 months * participating in another weight…
Interventions
- BehavioralAsynchronous Remote Lifestyle Intervention
A 1 year lifestyle intervention based on the Diabetes Prevention Program to be delivered asynchronously via a private Facebook group led by a professional weight loss counselor. In the subsequent year, a Peer-Led Maintenance Phase will occur in which a participant volunteer will lead the group after receiving a brief training.
- BehavioralSynchronous Remote Lifestyle Intervention
A 1 year lifestyle intervention based on the Diabetes Prevention Program to be delivered synchronously via weekly videoconference group meetings led by a professional weight loss counselor. In the subsequent year, a Peer-Led Maintenance Phase will occur in which a participant volunteer will lead the group after receiving a brief training.
Location
- University of ConnecticutStorrs, Connecticut