Examining Social Influence on Participation and Outcomes among a Network of Behavioral Weight-Loss Intervention Enrollees

Abstract

Research suggests that social networks, social support, and social influence are associated with weight trajectories among treatment- and non-treatment-seeking individuals. This study examined the impact of having a social contact who participated in the same group behavioral weight-control intervention in the absence of specific social support training on women engaged in a weight-loss program. Participants (n = 92; 100% female; 54% black; mean age: 46 ± 10 years; mean BMI: 38 ± 6) were grouped based upon whether or not they reported a social contact enrolled previously/concurrently in our behavioral weight-control studies. Primary outcomes were 6-month weight change and treatment adherence (session attendance and self-monitoring). Half of the participants (53%) indicated that they had a social contact; black women were more likely to report a social contact than white women (67.3% versus 39.5%; P < 0.01). Among participants with a social contact, 67% reported at least one contact as instrumental in the decision to enroll in the program. Those with a contact lost more weight (5.9 versus 3.7 kg; P = 0.04), attended more group sessions (74% versus 54%; P < 0.01), and submitted more self-monitoring journals (69% versus 54%; P = 0.01) than those without a contact. Participants' weight change was inversely associated with social contacts' weight change (P = 0.04). There was no association between participant and contact's group attendance or self-monitoring. Social networks may be a promising vehicle for recruiting and engaging women in a behavioral weight-loss program, particularly black women. The role of a natural social contact deserves further investigation.

Using Community Insight to Understand Physical Activity Adoption in Overweight and Obese African American and Hispanic Women

“…However, Hispanic women placed greater emphasis on the importance of family support from their spouse or children. This is consistent with previous work, which suggests that social support may create social interaction opportunities and social reinforcement for physical activity (Carson et al, 2013; Treiber et al, 1991) and that “familismo,” meaning the family is at the center of daily activities, is an important characteristic of Hispanic culture (Ziebarth et al, 2012). …”

Short and long-term lifestyle coaching approaches used to address diverse participant barriers to weight loss and physical activity adherence

“…Research by Wing and Jeffery [55] and others [56] has demonstrated the benefits of recruiting participants with friends to increase social support for weight maintenance. Targeting naturally occurring social groups such as friends, co-workers, or those with common life circumstances (e.g.…”

Applying and advancing behavior change theories and techniques in the context of a digital health revolution: proposals for more effectively realizing untapped potential

“…Observational studies that have employed true network analyses have also demonstrated that social embeddedness in an online weight loss community affects weight loss (Poncela-Casasnovas et al, 2015), and that friends’ online behaviors (e.g., Facebook posting) affect adolescents’ drinking and smoking behavior (Huang et al, 2014). Digital health interventions that have taken a social network approach but not conducted true network analysis have demonstrated that social support, accountability, and a positive team environment are associated with improved health outcomes, including greater weight loss and increased physical activity over time (Carson et al, 2013; Leahey, Kumar, Weinberg, & Wing, 2012; Maher et al, 2015). …”