Comparison of two self-directed weight loss interventions: limited weekly support vs. no outside support.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two home-based weight loss interventions that differ only in the amount of outside support provided.

Methods: This was a 12-week, randomized, controlled trial. One group received limited support (LWS, n=35) via a single 10 min. phone call each week while another group received no weekly support (NWS, n=28). Both the LWS and NWS received pre-packaged meals (PM) and shakes. A third group served as control (CON, n=30) and received no components of the intervention. Weight loss at 12 weeks was the primary outcome. Diet (PM, shake, and fruit/vegetable (F/V) intake) and physical activity (PA) were self-monitored, recorded daily and reported weekly. An exit survey was completed by participants in the intervention groups upon completion of the study.

Results: Weight loss and percent weight loss in the LWS, NWS, and CON groups were 7.7 + 4.4 kg (8.5 + 4.2%), 5.9 + 4.1 kg (6.0 + 4.2%), and 0.3 + 1.9 kg (0.4 + 1.2%), respectively. The decrease in body weight and percent weight loss was significantly greater in the LWS and NWS groups when compared to the CON group and the percent weight loss was significantly greater in the LWS when compared to both the NWS and CON groups.

Conclusion: A home-based weight loss program utilizing PM and shakes results in clinically significant percent weight loss and the addition of a brief weekly call promotes additional percent weight loss.