Health Behavior and Health Education
theory, research, and practice
theory, research, and practice
Background
The effects of an intervention designed to increase social support for weight loss and maintenance were tested among 166 volunteers recruited through newspaper advertisements in two cities.
Participants entered either alone or with 3 other people of their choosing. They were then randomized to receive a 4-month, standard diet program or the social support weight loss intervention (standard program plus social support component).
The result was the following 4 conditions:
Treatment
All groups met weekly for 16 weeks at their respective center. During sessions facilitated by a behavioral therapist, nutritionist or both, personalized instructions and goals were created for participants.
Social support intervention groups also participated in small team building activities such as group assignments and presentations following dietary or behavioral lectures, group exercise, or being responsible for calling a specific team member to provide support.
Participants were assessed at baseline, 4, 7, 10, and 16 months. Study variables were measured in the following ways:
Measurement
Social Support
Weight and height were determined using a balance beam scale and stadiometer, respectively.
Data Analysis & Findings
The researchers chose the conservative intention-to-treat approach (all participants not returning for follow up are considered to have returned to baseline weight) for data analyses. A few study findings are listed below. See the full article for all comparisons.
Main findings:
Note: Although it is not explicitly stated, it appears that pathway 2 is under investigation.