Do Outcomes From a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention Differ in Alabama vs Colorado

Abstract

Objectives There are well-established regional differences in obesity prevalence in the U.S., but relatively little is known about whether these differences impact efforts for weight loss. The objective of the study was to determine whether changes in body weight, engagement in physical activity (PA), and psychosocial factors differed in Colorado (CO) vs Alabama (AL) in response to a 16-week standardized behavioral weight management program. We hypothesized that weight loss would be greater in Colorado due to a more favorable physical and social environment. Methods This is an ancillary study to a weight loss intervention being conducted simultaneously in AL and CO with identical intervention content and delivery. Study participants (n = 70, 39 CO, 31 AL) were randomized to either a high protein (HP) or normal protein (NP) diet for 16 weeks and attended weekly group classes led by a trained coach targeting diet, mindset, and physical activity. Body weight, objective (accelerometry) and self-reported (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) PA, and responses to psychosocial questionnaires were collected at baseline and week 16. Psychosocial constructs included executive function, hedonic eating, stress, and social support. Results Both states lost a significant amount of weight (CO 13.2 ± 4.9 kg P = 0.0067; AL 12.5 ± 5.6 kg P = 0.0262) with no differences between states (P = 0.9315). Both states improved in all PA outcomes over time, with AL increasing significantly more in objective PA measures when compared to CO. AL had more favorable scores for hedonic eating at baseline (23.2 ± 2.4 vs 32.5 ± 1.8, P = 0.0017), which persisted to week 16 (19.0 ± 2.7 vs 29.7 ± 2.2, P = 0.0021). Finally, AL improved in several social support factors while CO did not. Conclusions While weight loss did not differ between states, AL experienced greater improvements in some factors known to improve long-term weight loss maintenance. Results from this study provide a strong rationale for investigating potential regional differences in the maintenance of lost weight that may not be apparent during the active weight loss phase of interventions. Future research in this area will require effective methods for tracking participants beyond the conclusion of most clinical trials. Funding Sources The parent clinical trial is supported by The Beef Checkoff.

Pilot evaluation of a behavioral weight loss program for adults with physical disabilities: State of Slim Everybody usability and feasibility

“…Notably, this amount of weight loss was comparable with previous studies using the mainstream SOS program with people who did not have a disability. 30,31 Moreover, 96.8% of participants who completed the adapted program achieved a weight loss of at least 5%, and the retention and program attendance rates were also high at 91.4% and 92.0%, respectively. The high adherence and retention rates could be a result of the teambuilding emphasis engrained in the program, but more research is needed to qualify the core components that resulted in these findings.…”

“…It is a 16-week behavioral weight loss program that has been delivered in-person and virtually and has produced a 7.7%-11.7% weight loss in people without disability. 30,31 Using this program, along with a set of evidenced-informed Guidelines Recommendations, and Adaptations Including Disability (GRAIDs) 28…”

“…The State of Slim ( SOS ) 29 program has demonstrated significant weight loss in populations without disabilities. It is a 16‐week behavioral weight loss program that has been delivered in‐person and virtually and has produced a 7.7%–11.7% weight loss in people without disability 30,31 . Using this program, along with a set of evidenced‐informed Guidelines Recommendations, and Adaptations Including Disability (GRAIDs) 28 and National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD) Adaptation Process (NAP), this program was adapted to create the State of Slim Everybody ( SOS Everybody ) weight loss program.…”

Do outcomes from a behavioral weight loss intervention differ in Alabama versus Colorado?

“…Julianne G. Clina used these data as a portion of a master's thesis, and as a published abstract. 43 …”

“…All authors have read and approved the final manuscript. Julianne G. Clina used these data as a portion of a master's thesis, and as a published abstract 43 …”