Abstract
Background: The ActWELL RCT assessed the effectiveness of a weight management programme delivered by volunteer lifestyle coaches (LC) in women attending breast clinics. The intervention focused on caloric intake and physical activity, utilising behavioural change techniques including a weight awareness plan (WAP). The current work is a secondary analysis of the ActWELL data and aims to examine the response to the weight self-awareness plan (used as part of the intervention programme).
Methodology The LCs invited participants (n=279) to undertake an implementation intention discussion to formulate a self-weighing (SW) plan. Bodyweight scales were offered, and recording books provided. The PA intervention focused on a walking plan assessed by accelerometers. The LCs contacted participants by telephone monthly and provided personalised feedback. Mann-Whitney tests and chi-squared analysis were used to examine the effect of SW on weight change. A qualitative evaluation utilising semi-structured interviews was also undertaken.
Results: Most participants (96.4%) agreed to set a weekly SW goal and 76 (27%) requested scales. At 12 months, 226 (81%) returned for follow up. The median (IQR) weight change for those who self- reported at least one weight (n=211) was -2.3kg (-5.0, 0.0) compared to -1.2kg (-5.0, 0.03) in those who did not (n=14). Participants who reported weights on >8 occasions (39%) were significantly more likely (p=0.012) to achieve 5% weight loss compared to those who weighed less often. Low numbers of accelerometers were returned which did not allow for significance testing. Qualitative data (n=24) indicated that many participants found the WAP helpful and motivating.
Principal Conclusion: Greater adherence to the WAP initiated by volunteer coaches is associated with achieving 5% weight loss.
Methodology The LCs invited participants (n=279) to undertake an implementation intention discussion to formulate a self-weighing (SW) plan. Bodyweight scales were offered, and recording books provided. The PA intervention focused on a walking plan assessed by accelerometers. The LCs contacted participants by telephone monthly and provided personalised feedback. Mann-Whitney tests and chi-squared analysis were used to examine the effect of SW on weight change. A qualitative evaluation utilising semi-structured interviews was also undertaken.
Results: Most participants (96.4%) agreed to set a weekly SW goal and 76 (27%) requested scales. At 12 months, 226 (81%) returned for follow up. The median (IQR) weight change for those who self- reported at least one weight (n=211) was -2.3kg (-5.0, 0.0) compared to -1.2kg (-5.0, 0.03) in those who did not (n=14). Participants who reported weights on >8 occasions (39%) were significantly more likely (p=0.012) to achieve 5% weight loss compared to those who weighed less often. Low numbers of accelerometers were returned which did not allow for significance testing. Qualitative data (n=24) indicated that many participants found the WAP helpful and motivating.
Principal Conclusion: Greater adherence to the WAP initiated by volunteer coaches is associated with achieving 5% weight loss.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 266-276 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 14 Jul 2022 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2023 |
Bibliographical note
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe original work was funded by The Scottish Government (Grant number BC/Screening/17/01). The Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, receives core funding from the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government Health Directorates. The authors are grateful to Mary Burke for assistance in manuscript preparation, and all respondents and interviewees for voluntarily providing data during a busy and challenging period. This work was undertaken at The University of Dundee.
Access to Document
- Zaremba_etal_JHND_Response_To_A_VoR
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Dietetic Association. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/