ABSTRACT
It is well known that significant others (particularly romantic partners) can influence people's weight management efforts. However, what constitutes effective support-and from which type of individual (e.g., romantic partner, family member, friend)-is unclear. Thus, framed by confirmation theory, we assessed the effectiveness and types of communication of a weight-loss "buddy" through reports of 704 individuals enrolled in a 15-week synchronous online weight-loss program. Roughly 54% of participants chose buddies; and those who did lost more weight and waist inches than those who were involved in the program without buddy support. We also found that a combination of high accepting and high challenging messages from buddies was associated with the greatest decrease in body mass index (BMI) as well as the greatest reduction in waist size. Furthermore, the support by romantic partners paralleled support by other types of buddies. Having a supportive buddy who was not a romantic partner was just as effective as turning to a romantic partner for assistance. This study underscores the important role of a buddy in supporting weight-loss program involvement and encourages individuals to consider enlisting the help of a buddy, as opposed to losing weight alone, in order to maximize weight management effectiveness.
Subject(s)
Interpersonal Relations , Occupational Health Services , Social Support , Weight Reduction Programs , Adult , Aged , Body Mass Index , Family/psychology , Female , Friends/psychology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Program Evaluation , Psychological Theory , Sexual Partners/psychology , Weight Loss , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is an urgent need for effective weight management techniques, as more than one third of US adults are overweight or obese. Recommendations for weight loss include a combination of reducing caloric intake, increasing physical activity, and behavior modification. Behavior modification includes mindful eating or eating with awareness. The purpose of this review was to summarize the literature and examine the impact of mindful eating on weight management. RECENT FINDINGS: The practice of mindful eating has been applied to the reduction of food cravings, portion control, body mass index, and body weight. Past reviews evaluating the relationship between mindfulness and weight management did not focus on change in mindful eating as the primary outcome or mindful eating as a measured variable. This review demonstrates strong support for inclusion of mindful eating as a component of weight management programs and may provide substantial benefit to the treatment of overweight and obesity.
Subject(s)
Body Weight Maintenance , Mindfulness , Weight Gain , Weight Loss , Feeding Behavior , Humans , ObesityABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To implement a randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a weight loss program delivered using synchronous distance education compared with a wait-list control group with 6-month follow-up. METHODS: Adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 were randomized to the intervention (n = 42) or wait-list control group (n = 38). The intervention group participated in a synchronous, online, 15-week weight loss program; weight loss was the primary outcome. Secondary measures included height, BMI, and confidence in ability to be physically active and eat healthy. Assessments occurred at three and four time points in the intervention and control group, respectively. RESULTS: Participants who completed the program lost significantly more weight (1.8 kg) than those in the wait-list control group (0.25 kg) at week 15 [F(1,61) = 6.19, P = 0.02] and had a greater reduction in BMI (0.71 vs. 0.14 kg/m(2) ), [F(1,61) = 7.45, P = 0.01]. There were no significant differences between the intervention and the wait-list control groups for change in confidence in ability to be physically active or eat healthy. Weight loss was maintained at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Use of synchronous distance education is a promising approach for weight loss. The results of this study will help to inform future research that employs Web-based interventions.
Subject(s)
Education, Distance/methods , Internet , Obesity/therapy , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Weight Reduction Programs/methods , Adult , Body Mass Index , Body Weight , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pilot Projects , Weight LossABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of online delivery of a weight management program using synchronous (real-time), distance-education technology to in-person delivery. METHODS: Synchronous, distance-education technology was used to conduct weekly sessions for participants with a live instructor. Program effectiveness was indicated by changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and confidence in ability to eat healthy and be physically active. RESULTS: Online class participants (n = 398) had significantly greater reductions in BMI, weight, and waist circumference than in-person class participants (n = 1,313). Physical activity confidence increased more for in-person than online class participants. There was no difference for healthy eating confidence. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This project demonstrates the feasibility of using synchronous distance-education technology to deliver a weight management program. Synchronous online delivery could be employed with no loss to improvements in BMI, weight, and waist circumference.