Evaluation of a Health at Every Size vs a Behavioral Weight Loss Approach for Obese Women

Summary

For over four decades the medical literature has observed a relationship between obesity and poorer health outcomes. The causal mechanisms of these poorer outcomes however are unclear. One assumption that has been supported by correlational data is that increased weight is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (i.e., hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes). Consequently, obese people are routinely prescribed weight loss programs in order to prevent or control these conditions. Unfortunately, long term weight loss has been met with minimal success for the large majority of people. Furthermore, the data suggesting that weight loss leads to long term health benefits and decreased mortality is limited and contradictory. The purpose of the proposed project is to perform a randomized controlled pilot study comparing the effectiveness of two lifestyle interventions for preventing CVD risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes). The interventions are constitutionally similar; however, the treatment condition is a wellness-focused intervention that teaches healthy living without consideration of weight. The control condition is a traditional curriculum where the prescribed outcome is weight loss. The primary goals of both programs are to reduce hypertension and total cholesterol, and to enhance glucose control. Secondary outcomes of interest are psychological and behavioral in nature (e.g., self-esteem; depressed mood; anxiety; stress; quality of life; dietary habits; and physical activity). We will compare the trajectories of the CVD and psychological/behavioral risk factors for a total period of 24 months (including the time from baseline to the end of the 6-month intervention). Our objectives are to collect data to a) determine whether participants in both programs reduce CVD and psychological/behavioral risk factors at the completion of the 6-month program, and b) compare the persistency of health improvements and rate of relapse at the end of the 18-month follow-up period between the traditional weight loss intervention and the wellness-focused intervention.

Conditions

• Obesity

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Wellness-Centered (HUGS)

A health at every size intervention, the HUGS program was conceived and developed in 1987 by Linda Omichinski, Registered Dietitian. HUGS stands for Health focused, Understanding lifestyle, Group supported, and Self-esteem building. It is an integrated approach that promotes healthy eating, active living, and self acceptance regardless of weight. HUGS teaches strategies to recognize and respond to physiological signs of hunger and satiety to determine food intake. The manualized curriculum is accompanied by the books Tailoring Your Tastes and Staying Off of the Diet Roller Coaster which participants will receive in addition to a booklet of handouts. Kelly Bliss, a psychotherapist and fitness professional with 17 years experience in health-centered approaches for weight management, will deliver the intervention in 2 groups of 20 people that meet weekly for 6 months.

BEHAVIORAL

Weight-Centered (LEARN)

The LEARN Program for Weight Management is an evidence-based behavior modification approach to weight loss developed by Dr. Kelly Brownell, Ph.D. Psychologist. LEARN is an acronym that stands for Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitudes, Relationships, and Nutrition. This manualized curriculum shares many principals with the HUGS program in that both emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and gradual sustainable change. However, the LEARN program makes weight loss an explicit goal and focuses more on food intake levels based on external prescriptions and caloric restriction. Participants in the LEARN program will receive the LEARN Program for Weight Management manual and the LEARN Weight Stabilization and Maintenance Guide along with the LEARN Program CD set. Ann Wellock, a Registered Dietician from The Reading Hospital and Medical Center will deliver the intervention in 2 groups of 20 people that meet weekly for 6 months.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Edna G. Kynett Memorial Foundation

  collaborator OTHER

• The Reading Hospital and Medical Center

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Janell L Mensinger, Ph.D. · Villanova University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

30 Years

Max Age

45 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2008-09-25

Primary Completion

2011-02-25

Completion

2011-02-25

Countries

• United States

Study Locations