"F!reF!ghterF!t": A Randomized Controlled Trial of Lifestyle Coaching Interventions for Obese Firefighters
Cambridge Health Alliance
Summary
Our goal is to explore the effectiveness of 9- month lifestyle medicine based coaching intervention (individual and group coaching) versus control (usual care/ written health instructions). The primary study outcomes will be mean changes in body composition metrics . Secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of metabolic abnormities, progression/regression of Metabolic Syndrome, push-up \& sit/stand capacity, self-reported physical activity, and quality of life/diet/sleep measures.
Description
RATIONALE/GOALS: Obesity is a major health hazard in the US fire service. It contributes to excess cancer, cardiovascular disease and behavioral health issues. Obesity is negatively associated with 12/13 health priorities identified by the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation. Mitigating obesity is crucial to the fire service's goals of reducing chronic diseases and their adverse economic/operational impacts. METHODS: At least 75 male firefighters self-reporting a body mass index (BMI) of \>/= 30 kg/m2 AND interest in weight loss will complete a baseline health assessment including: lifesty…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–60 years
- Sex
- Male
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Male firefighters aged 18-60 years * Currently active as volunteer or career firefighters * Body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² based on self-reported height and weight * Express interest in participating in a clinical study aimed at improving body composition (weight loss), metabolic status, and quality of life * Residing and/or working in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Southern New Hampshire (Boston metro area) Exclusion Criteria: * Female sex\* * BMI \<30 kg/m² based on self-reported height and weight * Active psychosis * History or diagnosis (during the RCT) of any of…
Interventions
- BehavioralLifestyle Coaching
The schedule for the individual and group coaching sessions is summarized below: * Individual Coaching: Six one-on-one online sessions with a trained dietician, starting with an initial 30-minute session at baseline, followed by sessions at one month and then every other month. * Group Coaching: 60-minute group online sessions with up to 15 participants per group. Group sessions schedule: there will be a total of 13 group sessions. They will meet once a week for the first 4 weeks, twice monthly for the next 8 weeks of follow-up, and then monthly for the remaining follow-up until the 13th session.
Location
- Cambridge Health AllianceSommerville, Massachusetts