Web-Based Interventions Alone or Supplemented with Peer-Led Support or Professional Email Counseling for Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance in Women from Rural Communities: Results of a Clinical Trial

Abstract EN

Objective.

This trial compared the effectiveness of a web-based only (WO) intervention with web-based supplemented by peer-led discussion (WD) or professional email counseling (WE) across 3 phases to achieve weight loss and weight maintenance in women from underserved rural communities.

Methods.

301 women (BMI of 28–45 kg/m2) randomly assigned to groups participated in guided weight loss (baseline to 6 months), guided weight loss and maintenance (6 to 18 months), and self-managed weight maintenance (18 to 30 months).

Results.

Retention was 88.7%, 76.5%, and 71.8% at 6, 18, and 30 months, respectively.

Intent-to-treat analyses demonstrated no group differences in change in weight within any phases.

At 6 months, observed mean (SD) weight loss was 5.1 (6.0) kg in WO, 4.1 (5.6) kg in WD, and 6.0 (6.3) kg in WE, with 42%, 38%, and 51%, respectively, meeting ≥ 5% weight loss.

These proportions dropped by a third after phase 2 with no further change during phase 3.

Conclusion.

Web-based interventions assisted women from rural communities in achieving 6-month weight loss, with weight regain by half at 30 months.

No group differences were potentially due to the robust nature of the web-based intervention.

Trial Registration.

This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01307644.