A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a 12-Week Insurance-Sponsored Weight Management Program Incorporating Cognitive-Behavioral Counseling

Abstract

Physical activity is critical in healthy weight loss, yet there is still much to be learned about psychosocial mechanisms of physical activity behavior change in weight loss. A sequential mixed methods approach was used to assess the physical and psychosocial impact of a 12-week cognitive—behavioral weight management program and explore factors associated with weight loss. Quantitative data (N = 55) revealed program completion rate and mean percentage weight loss that compare favorably with other interventions, and differential psychosocial impacts on those losing more weight. Telephone interviews (n = 11) revealed four potential mechanisms for these differential impacts: (a) fostering accountability, (b) balancing perceived effort and success, (c) redefining ‘‘success,’’ and (d) developing cognitive flexibility.

Systematic reviews of and integrated report on the quantitative, qualitative and economic evidence base for the management of obesity in men

“…190 Although our quantitative data 85,86,90,95,96 supported the assertion that group-based programmes produce beneficial results (see Chapter 3), men may be less inclined to join these types of programmes depending DOI: 10.3310/hta18350 HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT 2014 VOL. 18 NO.…”

“…References to issues in the wider environment that may act to increase the propensity for men to be obese were identified in four 45,48,141,148 of the 13 included studies linked to interventions and six 43,190,193,197,198,201 of the nine studies that were not linked to interventions.…”

“…However, in contrast to the other studies mentioned here, the authors emphasised the utility of a group-based setting for men (over the physical location of the intervention) in allowing men to raise sensitive issues that may otherwise be embarrassing to discuss. 142 The remaining studies 188,190,194 were not clear about the setting where the intervention took place.…”

“…44,[195][196][197][198][199][200][201][202] With regard to the studies linked to interventions, five studies 46,89,[187][188][189] were linked to RCTs and the remaining eight 49,142,149,[190][191][192][193][194] were linked to non-randomised studies.…”

“…The study by Gallagher and colleagues 187 was linked to a group-based intervention delivered in Australia, 203 that by Mallyon and colleagues 188 was linked to an individual-based intervention delivered in Australia, 204 and the study by Abildso and colleagues 190 was linked to a group-based insurance-sponsored weight management scheme delivered in the USA. 205 The study by Kim and colleagues 192 reported on a faith-based group weight management programme delivered within a rural African American community, whereas the study by Ogden and Sidhu 194 analysed the experiences of individuals taking the medication orlistat for weight loss in England.…”