‘Say no’: a feasibility trial of a brief intervention to reduce instances of indulgent energy‐intake episodes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of a brief intervention to reduce instances of indulgent energy intake. Forty-five participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg m- were randomized to one of three groups for 8 weeks. The control group was asked to complete a questionnaire every 4 days, the self-monitoring group was given the same instructions but also asked to 'say no' to indulgences. The self-monitoring and feedback group was asked to do the same but in addition to send a photograph or description of that to which they had 'said no' and were then provided with feedback. All participants reported on indulgences for 7 days prospectively at baseline and 8-week follow-up. The follow-up rate was 80%; completion of questionnaires was 63% and 87 text messages were sent. The control group reduced their indulgences by 4.1 (SD 10.0), the self-monitoring group by 13.8 (SD 16.8) and self-monitoring and feedback group by 9.0 (SD 11.7) per week. All bar one, feasibility progression criteria were met and this was the return of the indulgence diaries during the intervention period. The study demonstrates the feasibility of a brief intervention to reduce the number of indulgences people ate. The progression criteria were met and areas of improvement are highlighted.

A randomised controlled trial to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a small change approach to prevent weight gain

“…The difference in weight of 1 kg between the groups at follow up is similar to the result of another study where participants made between 9 and 13 small changes to their indulgence intake each week (Madigan et al, 2018). Whilst a modest difference in weight was recorded between the groups at follow-up in the current study, this should be considered in light of research showing that the average adult gains 0.5-1.0 kg each year (Hutfless et al, 2013;Williamson 1993), which can lead to the development of overweight and obesity over time and that even small changes in weight can have a significant impact.…”

A Qualitative Process Evaluation of Participant Experiences in a Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial to Reduce Indulgent Foods and Beverages

“…Details relating to the recruitment of participants into the ‘Say No’ trial have been reported elsewhere [ 14 ]. To summarise, 45 participants were recruited, and the inclusion criteria were as follows: aged ≥18 years, with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 , and participants that were motivated to reduce the number of indulgent foods and beverages they consumed.…”

“…However, many of these are high in saturated fats, sugars, salt, and/or alcohol and are therefore described as “energy dense nutrient poor” [ 10 ]. Elsewhere in the literature, researchers/practitioners refer to these types of foods as snacks [ 11 , 12 , 13 ] or as indulgences [ 14 ]. Snacks may not always be high in fat/sugar or be energy-dense, and indulgences may mean different things to different people [ 10 ].…”

“…To build on the evidence, we conducted a feasibility randomised controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of an intervention based on self-regulation theory to reduce indulgences over eight weeks [ 14 , 26 ]. The term indulgence was used as we thought it would be easy to understand, and it could be personalised and, therefore, perceived as more relevant, both of which have been shown to be important in changing behaviour [ 11 ].…”