Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Dec 9, 2020
Date Accepted: Jan 7, 2022
Weight loss trajectories in the Healthy Weight Coaching - a real-life web-based obesity management program
ABSTRACT
Background:
While global obesity prevalence continues to increase, so does the need for accessible and affordable weight management interventions such as web-based programs. However, the effectiveness of such programs in clinical care remains unknown. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Healthy Weight Coaching, a web-based obesity management program integrated into standard Finnish clinical care. We examine the amount of weight lost and weight loss profiles as well as the possible variables associated with greater weight loss success and program retention.
Objective:
To assess the effectiveness of Healthy Weight Coaching, a web-based obesity management program integrated into standard Finnish clinical care.
Methods:
Healthy Weight Coaching is an ongoing structured digital 12-month program based on acceptance and commitment therapy. It includes weekly training sessions focused on lifestyle, general health, and psychological factors. Participants receive remote one-on-one support from a personal coach. In this real-life study, we examined total weight loss, weight loss profiles, and variables associated with weight loss success and program retention in 1189 adults (963 women) with a body mass index >25 kg/m² among participants of the program between Oct 2016 and March 2019. Absolute and categorical weight loss from baseline were primary outcomes. We also examined the weight loss profiles as well as the possible variables associated with greater weight loss success and program retention.
Results:
Among those having reached the 12-month time point (N = 173), mean weight loss was 4.6% (SE 0.5%) with 43.3% achieving a clinically relevant weight loss (≥ 5%). Baseline BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² was associated with a greater weight loss compared to a lower BMI (6.6%, SE 0.9 vs. 3.2%, SE 0.6; P = .02). Additionally, more frequent weight reporting associated with a greater weight loss. No significant differences were found in sex, age, baseline diseases, or medication use. The total dropout rate was 29.1%. Drop-outs were slightly younger than continuers (47.2 years, SE 0.6 vs. 49.2 years, SE 0.4; P = .01), and reported their weight less frequently (3.0 entries/month, SE 0.1 vs. 3.3 entries/month, SE 0.1; P < .001).
Conclusions:
A comprehensive web-based program such as Healthy Weight Coaching serves to effectively manage obesity in a clinical setting. The program suits patients with varying backgrounds and baseline health statuses. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04019249; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04019249
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