Exploring Optimal Treatment Components for Contactless Online Group-based Behavioral Weight Loss Program

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Obesity

In brief

The current pilot study will explore the optimal cost-effective treatment configuration for online group-based weight control by focusing on two aspects of our existing treatment program which have significant associated cost and determine which contribute meaningfully to weight loss outcomes. Specifically, we will explore whether adding synchronous group social support (weekly group video chat sessions facilitated by a trained weight loss counselor) to on demand (asynchronous) social support provided through the program discussion board significantly increases weight losses achieved. We will also examine whether detailed feedback on dietary and physical activity self-monitoring records from a counselor enhances weight loss outcomes in comparison with basic feedback. Finally, we will examine the cost efficiency of the treatment constellations. Further, this pilot study will also explore the feasibility of recruiting participants nationally (rather than just locally) and the capture of data electronically (including body weight measurements) without any in-person contact.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT04514900

Run by

University of South Carolina

People needed

73

Starts

2020-09-23

Expected to finish

2021-03-08

Last updated by the study team

2021-04-30

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• BMI between 27-55 kg/m2
• free of medical problems that might contraindicate participation in a behavioral weight reduction program containing an exercise component
• must have a computer at home or work with video camera and access to the internet
• must have a smart phone
• only one member of a household may participate
• must successfully complete a self-monitoring diary of food and beverages consumed for 7 consecutive days
• must successfully set up the electronic scale (provided by the study at no cost) and transmit a body weight to study staff
• must agree to be randomized to any of the 4 groups
• must be willing to share access to their dietary and physical activity self-monitoring information collected via the Fitbit.com app/website and their weight data collected via linking the electronic smart scale with Fitbit.com

You may not qualify if…

• taking insulin
• currently on medication that might affect weight loss
• currently pregnant or pregnant in the previous 6 months
• currently breastfeeding
• enrolled in another weight reduction program
• have had a heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months
• ever had weight loss surgery
• have lost more than 10 pounds in the previous 6 months
• currently taking medications for weight loss
• required by their doctor to follow a special diet (other than a low fat diet)
• anyone who has a schedule that would make it difficult to attend scheduled "chat" groups, should they be randomized to receive that treatment component

Where it is running

• University of South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.