 |
Lose weight with HMR at prestigious medical centers or on your own.
Find out more >
|
 |
|
|
Coaching a weight loss group over the telephone: a successful treatment option.
Gotthelf L, Ringie L, Jacobsen D.
Obes Res 2003;11 suppl:A84.
Objective: As the obesity epidemic continues to escalate, treatment options able to serve a wider range of the population are necessary.
Method: A well-established, clinic-based weight management program (The HMR Program for Weight Management™) was provided entirely by telephone for 6 weeks. After a group orientation call and one introductory group call, participants called weekly into a central telephone number to join a 45-minute group call. A midweek data report (via voice-mail) each week was also required. As part of the structured telephone support program, participants were instructed to use a minimum of 5 meal replacements daily (3 shakes + 2 pre-packaged entrees), consume at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, and perform a minimum of 2,000 calories of physical activity weekly. Participants were required to fax summary records to the group leader weekly.
Results: Of the 75 individuals initially enrolled at 10 different weight management centers, 55 (73.4%) completed the 6 week program. The average starting weight for all enrollees was 95.67 kg. For those completing the 6-week program, the average weight loss was 7.57 kg (7.73 % of initial body weight), average physical activity calories was 2,283 per week and average vegetable/fruit consumption was 37 servings per week. Of 33 participants given the option, 19 (58%) elected to continue weight loss beyond 6 weeks. In an average of 12 weeks, these individuals lost an average of 9.89 kg or 10.46% of initial body weight. Overall, the phone-based data is comparable to data from the clinic-based program. In a sample of patients (n=100) who completed 6 weeks of a moderately restricted diet at three HMR® clinics, the average weight loss was 7.28 kg or 7.4% of initial body weight which is similar to the 7.73% weight loss shown in this telephone based option.
Conclusion: In summary, a structured weight-loss group with telephone coaching can be a successful treatment option for individuals unable or unwilling to attend a formal weight program. Given these positive short-term results, projects to extend the weight loss and maintenance for longer-term seem warranted.
Back to listing
|
