Assessing the Feasibility of a Web-Based Weight Loss Intervention for Low-Income Women of Reproductive Age: A Pilot Study

Abstract

BackgroundLow-income women of reproductive age are at increased risk for obesity and resulting increases in the risk of maternal/fetal complications and mortality and morbidity. Very few weight-loss interventions, however, have been targeted to this high-risk group. Based on the high prevalence of social media use among young and low-income individuals and previous successes using group formats for weight-loss interventions, the use of social media as a platform for weight-loss intervention delivery may benefit low-income women of reproductive age.ObjectiveExamine the feasibility of delivering group-based weight-loss interventions to low-income women of reproductive age using face-to-face meetings and Web-based modalities including social media.MethodsParticipants attended a family planning clinic in eastern North Carolina and received a 5-month, group- and Web-based, face-to-face weight-loss intervention. Measures were assessed at baseline and 20 weeks.ResultsForty participants enrolled, including 29 (73%) African American women. The mean body mass index of enrollees was 39 kg/m2. Among the 12 women who completed follow-up, mean weight change was -1.3 kg. Participation in the intervention was modest and retention at 5 months was 30%. Returnees suggested sending reminders to improve participation and adding activities to increase familiarity among participants.ConclusionsEngagement with the intervention was limited and attrition was high. Additional formative work on the barriers and facilitators to participation may improve the intervention’s feasibility with low-income women of reproductive age.

Users, Uses, and Effects of Social Media in Dietetic Practice: Scoping Review of the Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence

“…The majority of intervention studies targeted adult populations (26/34, 76%) [ 18 , 41 - 44 , 48 , 50 , 52 , 54 - 56 , 58 - 60 , 66 , 72 , 75 , 77 , 79 , 82 - 84 , 87 , 88 , 92 , 93 ]. Among them, specific populations of users were adult women [ 18 , 50 , 66 , 84 , 88 ], young adults aged 18-35 years [ 55 , 56 , 72 ], pregnant adult women [ 79 , 92 ], and collegiate athletes [ 58 ].…”

“…Intervention studies covered a limited range of health conditions, with most users of social media being overweight and obese (15/34, 44%) [ 41 , 44 , 52 , 54 - 56 , 59 , 60 , 72 , 75 , 82 - 84 , 88 , 92 ] or obese (3/34, 9%) [ 63 , 87 , 93 ]. In total, 8 intervention studies targeted healthy users (8/34, 24%) [ 18 , 43 , 50 , 58 , 66 , 76 , 79 , 80 ].…”

A Community‐Based Intervention Program's Effects on Dietary Intake Behaviors

“…To date, four pilot, randomized, controlled, lifestyle behavioral intervention studies that targeted low‐income young women with overweight or obesity were conducted to help these women lose weight mainly via promotion of healthy eating . Unlike MIM, these four pilot studies only assessed measurements immediately after the intervention.…”

“…Results of the four prior studies are not consistent with results of the present study, which revealed that intervention participants were more confident, had better emotional coping responses, received more social support, and ate significantly less dietary fat and fast food than the comparison participants immediately after the 16‐week intervention. Cavallo et al used in‐person group sessions and Web‐based modalities including social media to deliver the intervention. They did not find any significant difference between the intervention and control groups in fruit and vegetable intake immediately after the 20‐week intervention .…”

“…Cavallo et al used in‐person group sessions and Web‐based modalities including social media to deliver the intervention. They did not find any significant difference between the intervention and control groups in fruit and vegetable intake immediately after the 20‐week intervention . Herring et al utilized technology (Facebook and text messages) and health coaching over the phone to promote post partum weight loss.…”