Optimizing Dietary Adherence in a Mobile Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Adults
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Summary
The goal of this study is to test multiple individual treatment components added to a 6-month standard mobile behavioral weight loss program that are intended to help participants follow dietary recommendations and meet their dietary goals more often. The four components to be studied include switching dietary tracking methods, receiving access to a goal planning tool, receiving additional personalized text messages, and receiving three sessions with a health coach. The study will identify the best combination of these additional treatments for improving total number of weeks in the program that participants meet their dietary goals.
Description
SHIFT uses a highly efficient experimental design as part of the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) to optimize a 6-month behavioral weight loss intervention for improved dietary adherence among adults with overweight and obesity with initial nonresponse to the intervention. Investigators will test four unique treatment components added to a core mobile behavioral weight loss program. All participants will receive the Core 6-month behavioral weight loss program, which is a comprehensive intervention that includes evidence-based behavior change strategies to promote self-monitoring and ad…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * BMI 25-50 kg/m2 at baseline * Own a smartphone with an active data and text messaging plan * English-speaking and writing * Willing to be randomized to any of the additional treatment components Exclusion Criteria: * Lost 5% or more of body weight (and kept it off) in the last 3 months * Past diagnosis of or receiving treatment for a clinically diagnosed eating disorder (anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa) * Current symptoms of alcohol or substance dependence * Currently pregnant, pregnant within the past 6 months, currently breastfeeding, or planning to become pregna…
Interventions
- BehavioralCore
Behavioral weight loss core includes daily self-monitoring (tracking) of dietary intake, physical activity, and weight; personalized daily goals for dietary intake and physical activity; weekly behavioral lessons in the study app; weekly tailored feedback on goal progress and weight change; 5-6 text messages per week.
- BehavioralSwitch to Simplified Diet Monitoring
Switch from standard detailed calorie tracking to a simplified diet self-monitoring approach in which participants track red foods using a color-coded traffic light system.
- BehavioralGoal Autonomy/Planning
A weekly goal planning tool that allows participants to adjust their dietary goals and make a specific plan for the week.
- BehavioralJust-in-time (JIT) Messaging
Increased frequency of text messages (1-2 per day), highly personalized based on past and current dietary adherence and weight change.
- BehavioralCoach Sessions
Receive 3 brief telephone or video coach sessions (20-30 minutes) every other week following randomization.
Location
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, North Carolina