scholarly journals Feasibility of a social media-based weight loss intervention designed for low-SES adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David N Cavallo ◽  
Rogelio Martinez ◽  
Monica Webb Hooper ◽  
Susan Flocke
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Low Ses ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Intervention Delivery ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Pilot Intervention

Abstract Low-socioeconomic status (SES) individuals have higher rates of obesity. Social media platforms are used frequently by low-SES individuals and facilitate important weight loss program components including social support. Very few social media-based weight loss interventions, however, have enrolled or been tailored to low-SES participants. The purpose of this article is to examine the feasibility of a social media-based weight loss intervention among low-SES adults. We conducted a one-group pretest post-test pilot intervention study with two groups (group 1, n = 39, group 2, n = 16) of low-SES overweight/obese adults who were enrolled in a 12-week social media-based weight loss intervention including self-monitoring via Fitbits and participation in a private Facebook group. A moderator provided educational content and encouraged social support via Facebook. Descriptive statistics were used to assess intervention acceptability and engagement. Exploratory analyses were conducted to examine changes in study outcomes and engagement patterns. The study had good retention (86%). Among 55 total participants enrolled, there were 9,175 participant interactions within the Facebook group. Among completers (n = 47), 96% indicated they would recommend the intervention to a friend. Mean weight loss was 1.07 kg (SD = 3.96, p = .0498), and participants reported increases in positive dietary social support (mean = 2.47, SD = 5.09, p = .0007). Engagement in this social media-based pilot intervention was high and exceeded results from previous studies using similar formats. Participants evaluated the intervention favorably. Changes in weight loss and several theoretical mediators were in the desired direction. Overall, our results indicate social media groups as a platform for weight loss intervention delivery among low-SES adults are feasible and should be studied in larger randomized trials.

scholarly journals Long-Term Evaluation of Counselor Efficiency at Providing Feedback in a Technology-Based Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Fahey ◽  
Robert C. Klesges ◽  
Mehmet Kocak ◽  
Leslie Gladney ◽  
Gerald W. Talcott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Electronic Mail ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Monitoring Data ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Future Technology ◽  
Study Implementation ◽  
Weight Loss Interventions

BACKGROUND Feedback for participants’ self-monitoring is a crucial, and costly, component of technology-based weight loss interventions. Detailed examination of interventionist time when reviewing and providing feedback for online self-monitoring data is unknown. OBJECTIVE Study purpose was to longitudinally examine time counselors spent providing feedback on participant self-monitoring data (i.e., diet, physical activity, weight) in a 12-month technology-based weight loss intervention. We hypothesized that counselors would deliver feedback to participants more quickly over time. METHODS Time counselors (N=10) spent reviewing and providing feedback to participants via electronic mail (e-email) was longitudinally examined for all counselors across the three years of study implementation. Descriptives were observed for counselor feedback duration across counselors by 12 annual quarters (i.e., three-month periods). Differences in overall duration times by each consecutive annual quarter were analyzed using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS There was a decrease in counselor feedback duration from first to second quarter [Mean (M) = 53 to 46 minutes], and from second to third (M= 46 to 30). A trend suggested a decrease from third to fourth quarters (M = 30 to 26), but no changes were found in subsequent quarters. Consistent with hypothesis, counselors increased their efficiency in providing feedback. Across 12-months, mean time counselors needed to review participant self-monitoring and provide feedback decreased from 53 to 26 minutes. CONCLUSIONS Counselors needed increasingly less time to review online self-monitoring data and provide feedback after the initial nine months of study implementation. Results inform counselor costs for future technology-based behavioral weight loss interventions. For example, regardless of increasing counselor efficiency, 25-30 minutes per feedback message is a high cost for interventions. One possibility for reducing costs would be generating computer-automated feedback. CLINICALTRIAL NCT02063178

The Impact of Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose on a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. McAndrew ◽  
Melissa A. Napolitano ◽  
Leonard M. Pogach ◽  
Karen S. Quigley ◽  
Kerri Leh Shantz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Feasibility of using a peer coach to deliver a behavioral intervention for promoting postpartum weight loss in Black and Latina mothers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon J Herring ◽  
Veronica M Bersani ◽  
Christine Santoro ◽  
Saleemah J McNeil ◽  
Linda M Kilby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Ethnic Minority ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Peer Coaching ◽  
Minority Women ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Latina Mothers ◽  
Ethnic Minority Women ◽  
Postpartum Weight

Abstract Peer coaching may provide a culturally relevant and potentially scalable approach for delivering postpartum obesity treatment. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of peer coaching to promote postpartum weight loss among ethnic minority women with obesity. This pilot study was a prospective, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial. Twenty-two obese, Black or Latina mothers ≤6 months postpartum were recruited from the Philadelphia Special Supplemental Nutrition Education Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and randomly assigned to either: (a) a peer-led weight loss intervention (n = 11) or (b) usual WIC care (n = 11). The intervention provided skills training and problem solving via six calls and two in-person visits with a Black mother trained in behavioral weight control strategies. Text messaging and Facebook served as platforms for self-monitoring, additional content, and interpersonal support. Both arms completed baseline and 14 week follow-up assessments. All participants were retained in the trial. Intervention engagement was high; the majority (55%) responded to at least 50% of the self-monitoring text prompts, and an average of 3.4 peer calls and 1.7 visits were completed. Mean weight loss among intervention participants was −1.4 ± 4.2 kg compared to a mean weight gain of 3.5 ± 6.0 kg in usual WIC care. Most intervention participants strongly agreed that the skills they learned were extremely useful (90%) and that the coach calls were extremely helpful for weight control (80%). Results suggest the feasibility of incorporating peer coaching into a postpartum weight loss intervention for ethnic minority women with obesity. Future research should examine the sustained impact in a larger trial.

scholarly journals Social Network Analysis of the Effects of a Social Media–Based Weight Loss Intervention Targeting Adults of Low Socioeconomic Status: Single-Arm Intervention Trial

10.2196/24690 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e24690
Author(s):  
Ran Xu ◽  
David Cavallo
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Using Data

Background Obesity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease risk factors, including hypertension and type II diabetes. Although numerous weight loss interventions have demonstrated efficacy, there is considerably less evidence about the theoretical mechanisms through which they work. Delivering lifestyle behavior change interventions via social media provides unique opportunities for understanding mechanisms of intervention effects. Server data collected directly from web-based platforms can provide detailed, real-time behavioral information over the course of intervention programs that can be used to understand how interventions work. Objective The objective of this study was to demonstrate how social network analysis can facilitate our understanding of the mechanisms underlying a social media–based weight loss intervention. Methods We performed secondary analysis by using data from a pilot study that delivered a dietary and physical activity intervention to a group of participants via Facebook. We mapped out participants’ interaction networks over the 12-week intervention period and linked participants’ network characteristics (eg, in-degree, out-degree, network constraint) to participants’ changes in theoretical mediators (ie, dietary knowledge, perceived social support, self-efficacy) and weight loss by using regression analysis. We also performed mediation analyses to explore how the effects of social network measures on weight loss could be mediated by the aforementioned theoretical mediators. Results In this analysis, 47 participants from 2 waves completed the study and were included. We found that increases in the number of posts, comments, and reactions significantly predicted weight loss (β=–.94, P=.04); receiving comments positively predicted changes in self-efficacy (β=7.81, P=.009), and the degree to which one’s network neighbors are tightly connected with each other weakly predicted changes in perceived social support (β=7.70, P=.08). In addition, change in self-efficacy mediated the relationship between receiving comments and weight loss (β=–.89, P=.02). Conclusions Our analyses using data from this pilot study linked participants’ network characteristics with changes in several important study outcomes of interest such as self-efficacy, social support, and weight. Our results point to the potential of using social network analysis to understand the social processes and mechanisms through which web-based behavioral interventions affect participants’ psychological and behavioral outcomes. Future studies are warranted to validate our results and to further explore the relationship between network dynamics and study outcomes in similar and larger trials.

scholarly journals Using Social Network Analysis to Understand the Effects of a Social Media-based Weight Loss Intervention Targeting Low-SES Adults (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ran Xu ◽  
David Cavallo
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship

BACKGROUND Obesity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors including hypertension and type II diabetes. Although numerous weight-loss interventions have demonstrated efficacy, there is considerably less evidence about the theoretical mechanisms through which they work. Delivering lifestyle behavior change interventions via social media provides unique opportunities for understanding mechanisms of intervention effects. Server data collected directly from online platforms can provide detailed, real-time behavioral information over the course of intervention programs that can be used to understand how interventions work. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to demonstrate how social network analysis can facilitate our understanding of the mechanisms underlying a social-media based weight loss intervention. METHODS This study performed secondary analysis using data from a pilot study that delivered a dietary and physical activity intervention to a group of low-SES participants via Facebook. We mapped out participants’ interaction networks over the 12-week intervention period, and linked participants’ network characteristics (e.g. in-degree, out-degree and network constraint) to participants’ changes in theoretical mediators (i.e. dietary knowledge, perceived social support, self-efficacy) and weight loss using regression analysis. This study also performed mediation analyses to explore how the effects of social network measures on weight loss could be mediated by the aforementioned theoretical mediators. RESULTS 47 participants from two waves completed the study and were included in the analysis. We found that participants creating posts, comments and reactions predicted weight-loss (β=-.94, P=.042); receiving comments positively predicted changes in self-efficacy (β=7.81, P=.009); the degree to which one’s network neighbors are tightly connected with each other weakly predicted changes in perceived social support (β=7.70, P=.08). In addition, change in self-efficacy mediated the relationship between receiving comments and weight-loss (Indirect effect=-.89, P=.017). CONCLUSIONS Our analyses using data from this pilot study have linked participants’ network characteristics with changes in several important study outcomes of interest, such as self-efficacy, social support and weight. Our results point to the potential of using social network analysis to understand the social processes and mechanisms through which online behavioral interventions affects participants’ psychological and behavioral outcomes. Future studies are warranted to validate our results and further explore the relationship between network dynamics and study outcomes in similar and larger trials.

Monitoring your weight-loss process online: prior weight-loss experiences, online social support and subsequent weight-loss success (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lun Li ◽  
Qiuju Yin ◽  
Zhijun Yan
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Online Social Support ◽  
Moderation Effect ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Successful Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Loss Success ◽  
Failed Weight Loss ◽  
The Relationship

BACKGROUND Online weight-loss communities (OWCs) have been becoming increasingly popular for weight management, which enable individuals to monitor (i.e. self-monitoring) and discuss (i.e. social interaction) their weight-loss experiences. However, there has been limited understanding of the role of individuals’ prior weight-loss experiences in subsequent weight-loss success, especially in online settings. OBJECTIVE To address the significant literature gap, this study investigates the relationship between prior weight-loss experiences (success or failure), online social support and subsequent weight-loss success in the contexts of OWCs based on self-determination theory. METHODS The data of 1650 users from one popular OWC is collected using a python crawler procedure, including individuals’ characteristics (e.g. gender, age, friends, posts, membership duration) and weight-loss diary information. Two logit regression models are deployed to estimate the effects of prior weight-loss experiences and social support on subsequent weight-loss success, as well as the moderation effect of social support. RESULTS The results reveal that prior successful weight-loss experiences are positively related to subsequent weight-loss success (β=0.376,p<0.01) while the relationship between prior failed weight-loss experiences and subsequent weight-loss success is negative (β=-0.225,p<0.05). Meanwhile, online social support can not only influence positively subsequent weight-loss success directly (β=0.441,p<0.01) but also undermine the negative effect of prior failed weight-loss experiences (β=0.025,p<). Nevertheless, social support has no significant moderating effect on the relationship between prior successful weight-loss experiences and subsequent weight-loss success (β=0.104,p>0.1). CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to literature on prior experiences and online social support in the context of OWCs, and provides valuable insights for OWCs’ designs to improve users’ engagement and their weight-loss success.

scholarly journals Study protocol for the ‘HelpMeDoIt!’ randomised controlled feasibility trial: an app, web and social support-based weight loss intervention for adults with obesity

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e017159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynsay Matthews ◽  
Juliana Pugmire ◽  
Laurence Moore ◽  
Mark Kelson ◽  
Alex McConnachie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Ethics Committee ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionHelpMeDoIt! will test the feasibility of an innovative weight loss intervention using a smartphone app and website. Goal setting, self-monitoring and social support are three key facilitators of behaviour change. HelpMeDoIt! incorporates these features and encourages participants to invite ‘helpers’ from their social circle to help them achieve their goal(s).AimTo test the feasibility of the intervention in supporting adults with obesity to achieve weight loss goals.Methods and analysis12-month feasibility randomised controlled trial and accompanying process evaluation. Participants (n=120) will be adults interested in losing weight, body mass index (BMI)>30 kg/m2and smartphone users. The intervention group will use the app/website for 12 months. Participants will nominate one or more helpers to support them. Helpers have access to the app/website. The control group will receive a leaflet on healthy lifestyle and will have access to HelpMeDoIt! after follow-up. The key outcome of the study is whether prespecified progression criteria have been met in order to progress to a larger randomised controlled effectiveness trial. Data will be collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Outcomes focus on exploring the feasibility of delivering the intervention and include: (i) assessing three primary outcomes (BMI, physical activity and diet); (ii) secondary outcomes of waist/hip circumference, health-related quality of life, social support, self-efficacy, motivation and mental health; (iii) recruitment and retention; (iv) National Health Service (NHS) resource use and participant borne costs; (v) usability and acceptability of the app/website; and (vi) qualitative interviews with up to 50 participants and 20 helpers on their experiences of the intervention. Statistical analyses will focus on feasibility outcomes and provide initial estimates of intervention effects. Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews will assess implementation, acceptability, mechanisms of effect and contextual factors influencing the intervention.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol has been approved by the West of Scotland NHS Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 15/WS/0288) and the University of Glasgow MVLS College Ethics Committee (Ref: 200140108). Findings will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.Trial registration numberISRCTN85615983.

scholarly journals Delivering a Group-Mediated Weight Loss and Activity Program to Older Adults With Chronic Pain in the MORPH Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 281-282
Author(s):  
Amber Brooks ◽  
Barbara Nicklas ◽  
W Jack Rejeski ◽  
Jason Fanning
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Intervention Delivery ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Chronic pain in aging is a potent cause and consequence of obesity, inactivity, and prolonged sedentary behavior, making these especially important targets for behavioral intervention. This study aimed to refine a theory-based group-mediated diet and sedentary behavior intervention for older adults with chronic pain. Participants (N=28) attended 12 weekly group meetings generally in home via WebEx and used an mHealth self-monitoring app as they attempted to move more often and reduce caloric intake. Relative to a control condition, the program produced improvements in physical function (η^2=.08), pain intensity (η^2=.12), sedentary time (η^2=.07), and weight loss (η^2=.21). Key findings related to effective remote group intervention delivery included: (1) the importance of a self-efficacy-enhancing technology orientation; (2) the value of small group bonding activities to seed communication; and (3) the impact of software choice on interpersonal communication. We will discuss the value of these findings for future remote intervention design.

scholarly journals The Interplay of Support, Comparison, and Surveillance in Social Media Weight Management Interventions: A Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne Chang ◽  
Kaushik Chattopadhyay ◽  
Jialin Li ◽  
Miao Xu ◽  
Li Li
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Doctor Patient Communication ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Overweight Or Obesity

BACKGROUND There has been a significant increase in trend in using social media as a platform to deliver weight management interventions. This illustrates a need to develop a holistic understanding of doctor-patient communication and peer-to-peer communication in social media interventions and their influences on weight management of people with overweight or obesity. Studies like this will highlight how social media can be more effectively integrated into weight management programs to enhance individuals’ short-term and long-term weight management behaviors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine patients’ experiences with doctor-patient communication and peer interactions in a social media-based (WeChat) weight management program, and describe the interplay of three social influence factors—social support, social comparison, and surveillance—in their weight control practices. The program, designed and implemented by the research team located in a tertiary referral hospital in a southeastern province in China, included both diet and physical activity components that targeted people with overweight or obesity. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 32 program participants of different ages (M = 35.6, SD = 7.7), gender (18 females), duration of program membership (M = 1.4 years), and weight loss outcomes (54% weight loss to 9% weight gain). All interview data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated using the translation-back-translation technique. Nvivo software was used to facilitate the coding process. RESULTS Results of a thematic analysis indicated the distinct functions of professionally led support and peer support. Professional support was presented in the form of knowledge infusion, efficacy enhancement, and provision of timely feedback. Peer support fostered empathy and sense of belonging and had a mutually reinforcing relationship with peer comparison and peer-based surveillance. Peer comparison enhanced motivation and positive competition. However, it also reinforced negative group norms and resulted in downturns in reference standards and collective inactivity. Social media surveillance prompted participants’ reactions to the gaze from medical professionals and peers that could be encouraging or inhibiting. Surveillance enhanced vigilance with weight control norms. However, its influence weakened when participants chose to fake weight data and turn off notifications. Findings from this study illustrated the interrelated and fluctuant influences of support, comparison, and surveillance. CONCLUSIONS The interactive traits of social media eased the practices of social support and social comparison and created new forms of surveillance. This study contributed to an in-depth understanding of social media influences on individuals’ weight control behaviors. Practical implications of the study concerned improved strategies for maintaining the positive dynamics of social media interactions and preventing negative resistance to surveillance technology. CLINICALTRIAL Clinical Trial ChiCTR1900025861.

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