The design and rationale of an interdisciplinary, non-prescriptive, and Health at Every Size®-based clinical trial: The “Health and Wellness in Obesity” study

Abstract

The interdisciplinary research team leading this study has varied and complementary expertise. The knowledge arising from this study will help to guide new interdisciplinary interventions with the potential to holistically improve the health of obese individuals. This trial is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02102061).

Effects of a new intervention based on the Health at Every Size approach for the management of obesity: The “Health and Wellness in Obesity” study

“…The rationale and design of this study have been fully described elsewhere [ 20 ]. In brief, this was a prospective, seven-month, randomized, controlled, mixed-methods clinical trial.…”

“…We aimed to promote healthy eating habits by stimulating participants’ sensitivity to hunger and satiety cues, emotional eating, triggers that could lead to automatic behaviors related to food, and methods to neutralize food (i.e., to not classify food as “good” or “bad”). To do so, we used the following strategies: maintaining a food diary, meal planning, and goal setting in accordance with the HAES ® principles [ 20 ]. Before beginning the nutritional counseling, two 1-h lectures were held to present the nutritional approach and to address sociocultural aspects involving eating and concepts about healthy eating according to the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population [ 22 ].…”

“…The nutritional sessions lasted for 45 minutes and were conducted by dietitians, who had a bachelor degree in Nutrition. A full description of the nutritional intervention may be found elsewhere [ 18 – 20 ].…”

“…The philosophical workshops were conducted by a professional, who had a bachelor degree in Philosophy. The information regarding each component of this intervention is extensively described elsewhere [ 20 ].…”

Efeitos de uma nova intervenção interdisciplinar baseada na abordagem \"Health at Every Size®\" sobre o perfil lipí­dico em mulheres obesas

“…Esta "sutileza" é amparada nos referenciais teóricos do HAES ® e do aconselhamento nutricional, mas provavelmente se "chocam" com a análise mais "dura" de parâmetros objetivos, como o perfil lipídico. O mesmo ocorreu a cada sessão de atividade física (conforme material suplementar do artigo de ULIAN et al, 2017). Em vez de padronizar a intensidade dos exercícios, nossa intervenção adotou características coerentes com os referenciais teóricos supracitados: a intensidade era selecionada pelas participantes, o foco das atividades era o prazer de se movimentar, e as participantes tinham a liberdade de comparecer ou não às sessões, ou de sair de uma sessão programada ou escolher outra atividade, caso a oferecida não lhe agradasse.…”