Technical skills for weight loss: 2-y follow-up results of a randomized trial

The Validated Features of Psychological Interventions for Weight Loss: An Integration

Many psychological inclinations, such as maladaptive beliefs, can diminish the capacity of individuals to manage their weight effectively and sustainably. Yet, interventions that purportedly address these psychological inclinations and improve weight management are not always beneficial. To be effective, these interventions should offer participants several choices, should be devoid of features that have not been validated in isolation, and should arrange the various activities in an efficient and effective sequence. Few if any programs fulfill these criteria. The aim of this paper was to construct an intervention that assimilates all the validated features of interventions that overcome the psychological impediments to weight loss. To achieve this goal, we blended a technique called intervention component analysis with thematic analysis. Specifically, we extracted refereed journal articles about weight loss from PsycInfo, distilled the practical recommendations from these articles, excluded recommendations that had not been validated in isolation of other features, integrated overlapping recommendations, and applied several principles to arrange these recommendations into the most effective sequence. This procedure generated an intervention that could comprise up to 43 features and activities, including self-affirmation to foster openness to change, anecdotes about dramatic improvements, ambitious rather than modest targets, an emphasis on strategies rather than targets, rewards for attempts, implementation intentions with partners, self-hypnosis, cognitive reframing, and distancing. If these features are unsuccessful, practices that demand more resources-such as group disclosure, virtual environments, motivational interviewing, and customized programs-were also recommended.

Does weight management research for adults with severe obesity represent them? Analysis of systematic review data

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine the extent to which current evidence from long-term randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of weight management is generalisable and applicable to underserved adult groups with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m²).

METHODS

Descriptive analysis of 131 RCTs, published after 1990-May 2017 with ≥1 year of follow-up, included in a systematic review of long-term weight management interventions for adults with BMI ≥35 kg/m² (the REBALANCE Project). Studies were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, SCI, CENTRAL and from hand searching. Reporting of trial inclusion and exclusion criteria, trial recruitment strategies, baseline characteristics and outcomes were analysed using a predefined list of characteristics informed by the PROGRESS (Place of residence, Race/ethnicity/culture/language, Occupation, Gender/sex, Religion, Education, Socioeconomic status, Social capital)-Plus framework and the UK Equality Act 2010.

RESULTS

Few (6.1%) trials reported adapting recruitment to appeal to underserved groups. 10.0% reported culturally adapting their trial materials. Only 6.1% of trials gave any justification for their exclusion criteria, yet over half excluded participation for age or mental health reasons. Just over half (58%) of the trials reported participants' race or ethnicity, and one-fifth reported socioeconomic status. Where outcomes were reported for underserved groups, the most common analysis was by sex (47.3%), followed by race or ethnicity (16.8%). 3.1% of trials reported outcomes according to socioeconomic status.

DISCUSSION

Although we were limited by poor trial reporting, our results indicate inadequate representation of people most at risk of obesity. Guidance for considering underserved groups may improve the appropriateness of research and inform greater engagement with health and social care services.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme (project number: 15/09/04).

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016040190.

Bariatric surgery, lifestyle interventions and orlistat for severe obesity: the REBALANCE mixed-methods systematic review and economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Adults with severe obesity [body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 35 kg/m2] have an increased risk of comorbidities and psychological, social and economic consequences.

OBJECTIVES

Systematically review bariatric surgery, weight-management programmes (WMPs) and orlistat pharmacotherapy for adults with severe obesity, and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatment.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database were searched (last searched in May 2017).

REVIEW METHODS

Four systematic reviews evaluated clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and qualitative evidence for adults with a BMI of ≥ 35 kg/m2. Data from meta-analyses populated a microsimulation model predicting costs, outcomes and cost-effectiveness of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery and the most effective lifestyle WMPs over a 30-year time horizon from a NHS perspective, compared with current UK population obesity trends. Interventions were cost-effective if the additional cost of achieving a quality-adjusted life-year is < £20,000-30,000.

RESULTS

A total of 131 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 26 UK studies, 33 qualitative studies and 46 cost-effectiveness studies were included. From RCTs, RYGB produced the greatest long-term weight change [-20.23 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI) -23.75 to -16.71 kg, at 60 months]. WMPs with very low-calorie diets (VLCDs) produced the greatest weight loss at 12 months compared with no WMPs. Adding a VLCD to a WMP gave an additional mean weight change of -4.41 kg (95% CI -5.93 to -2.88 kg) at 12 months. The intensive Look AHEAD WMP produced mean long-term weight loss of 6% in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (at a median of 9.6 years). The microsimulation model found that WMPs were generally cost-effective compared with population obesity trends. Long-term WMP weight regain was very uncertain, apart from Look AHEAD. The addition of a VLCD to a WMP was not cost-effective compared with a WMP alone. RYGB was cost-effective compared with no surgery and WMPs, but the model did not replicate long-term cost savings found in previous studies. Qualitative data suggested that participants could be attracted to take part in WMPs through endorsement by their health-care provider or through perceiving innovative activities, with WMPs being delivered to groups. Features improving long-term weight loss included having group support, additional behavioural support, a physical activity programme to attend, a prescribed calorie diet or a calorie deficit.

LIMITATIONS

Reviewed studies often lacked generalisability to UK settings in terms of participants and resources for implementation, and usually lacked long-term follow-up (particularly for complications for surgery), leading to unrealistic weight regain assumptions. The views of potential and actual users of services were rarely reported to contribute to service design. This study may have failed to identify unpublished UK evaluations. Dual, blinded numerical data extraction was not undertaken.

CONCLUSIONS

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was costly to deliver, but it was the most cost-effective intervention. Adding a VLCD to a WMP was not cost-effective compared with a WMP alone. Most WMPs were cost-effective compared with current population obesity trends.

FUTURE WORK

Improved reporting of WMPs is needed to allow replication, translation and further research. Qualitative research is needed with adults who are potential users of, or who fail to engage with or drop out from, WMPs. RCTs and economic evaluations in UK settings (e.g. Tier 3, commercial programmes or primary care) should evaluate VLCDs with long-term follow-up (≥ 5 years). Decision models should incorporate relevant costs, disease states and evidence-based weight regain assumptions.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016040190.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme. The Health Services Research Unit and Health Economics Research Unit are core funded by the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of primary prevention programmes to improve cardio-metabolic risk in non-urban communities

INTRODUCTION

Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevention programmes have been effective in urban residents, their effectiveness in non-urban settings, where cardio-metabolic risk is typically elevated, is unknown. We systematically reviewed the effectiveness of primary prevention programmes aimed at reducing risk factors for CVD/T2DM, including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), blood lipid and glucose, diet, lifestyle, and knowledge in adults residing in non-urban areas.

METHODS

Twenty-five manuscripts, globally, from 1990 were selected for review (seven included in the meta-analyses) and classified according to: 1) study design (randomised controlled trial [RCT] or pre-/post-intervention); 2) intervention duration (short [<12months] or long term [≥12months]), and; 3) programme type (community-based programmes or non-community-based programmes).

RESULTS

Multiple strategies within interventions focusing on health behaviour change effectively reduced cardio-metabolic risk in non-urban individuals. Pre-/post-test design studies showed more favourable improvements generally, while RCTs showed greater improvements in physical activity and disease and risk knowledge. Short-term programmes were more effective than long-term programmes and in pre-/post-test designs reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.02mmHg (95% CI -6.25 to -1.79) versus 3.63mmHg (95% CI -7.34 to 0.08) in long-term programmes. Community-based programmes achieved good results for most risk factors except BMI and (glycated haemoglobin) HbA1c.

CONCLUSION

The setting for applying cardio-metabolic prevention programmes is important given its likelihood to influence programme efficacy. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the individual determinants of cardio-metabolic risk in non-urban populations and in contrast to urban populations.

It's LiFe! Mobile and Web-Based Monitoring and Feedback Tool Embedded in Primary Care Increases Physical Activity: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Physical inactivity is a major public health problem. The It’s LiFe! monitoring and feedback tool embedded in the Self-Management Support Program (SSP) is an attempt to stimulate physical activity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or type 2 diabetes treated in primary care.

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate whether the SSP combined with the use of the monitoring and feedback tool leads to more physical activity compared to usual care and to evaluate the additional effect of using this tool on top of the SSP.

Methods

This was a three-armed cluster randomised controlled trial. Twenty four family practices were randomly assigned to one of three groups in which participants received the tool + SSP (group 1), the SSP (group 2), or care as usual (group 3). The primary outcome measure was minutes of physical activity per day. The secondary outcomes were general and exercise self-efficacy and quality of life. Outcomes were measured at baseline after the intervention (4-6 months), and 3 months thereafter.

Results

The group that received the entire intervention (tool + SSP) showed more physical activity directly after the intervention than Group 3 (mean difference 11.73, 95% CI 6.21-17.25; P<.001), and Group 2 (mean difference 7.86, 95% CI 2.18-13.54; P=.003). Three months after the intervention, this effect was still present and significant (compared to Group 3: mean difference 10.59, 95% CI 4.94-16.25; P<.001; compared to Group 2: mean difference 9.41, 95% CI 3.70-15.11; P<.001). There was no significant difference in effect between Groups 2 and 3 on both time points. There was no interaction effect for disease type.

Conclusions

The combination of counseling with the tool proved an effective way to stimulate physical activity. Counseling without the tool was not effective. Future research about the cost-effectiveness and application under more tailored conditions and in other target groups is recommended.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01867970, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01867970 (archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6a2qR5BSr).

A systematic review of the effectiveness of group versus individual treatments for adult obesity

BACKGROUND

Both group and individual modes of delivery are employed for obesity treatments. Commercial weight loss groups commonly employ group-based delivery, while many clinical based settings employ one-to-one delivery. We systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials of treatments for adult obesity to compare the effectiveness of group-based to individual-based modes of treatment delivery.

METHODS

We searched 7 electronic databases and 2 journals and reviewed secondary references, based on a priori criteria to systematically review: randomised controlled trials of obesity treatments, participants with BMI >or=28 kg/m(2), age >or=18 years, comparison groups including at least 1 group-based and 1 individual-based treatment group, and follow-up >or=1 year. We extracted data and conducted meta-analysis of weight change.

RESULTS

Eleven comparison groups from 5 qualifying trials were obtained, representing a total participant pool of 336. Significantly greater (p = 0.03) weight change at 12 months was found in group-based over individualbased treatment, and sub-analyses showed that increased effectiveness was associated with the use of financial reward and psychologist-led interventions.

CONCLUSION

Group-based interventions were more effective than individual-based interventions among a predominantly female participant pool receiving psychologist-led interventions. Future studies to explore differences by professional group and interventions among men, which are accompanied by economic evaluation, are recommended.

Outpatient weight management in African-Americans: the Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Program (HELP) study

BACKGROUND

Effective clinical weight management approaches are needed to reach African-Americans.

METHODS

African-Americans recruited through outpatient practices for a culturally-adapted Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Program were offered 10 weekly weight loss classes (Phase 1) with the option of continuing for another 8-18 months (Phase 2) in a randomized comparison of further group counseling or staff-facilitated self-help vs. follow-up clinic visits only.

RESULTS

Of 237 enrollees (91% women; mean age 43.5 years; mean body mass index 38.0 kg/m(2)), 70 [corrected] attended no classes or only the first Phase 1 class, 134 provided Phase 1 follow-up data, 128 were randomized in Phase 2, and 87 provided final follow-up data ("completers"). Mean weight changes for completers were: -1.5 (P < 0.001), +0.3 (P = 0.47), and -1.2 (P = 0.04) kg, respectively, for Phase 1, Phase 2, and overall (baseline to final visit; average 18 months total duration), with no Phase 2 treatment effect (P = 0.55). Final study weight was > or =5% below baseline for 25% of completers and was strongly predicted by Phase 1 weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight loss achieved in Phase 1 was maintained even with relatively minimal follow-up contact. Increasing the percent who achieve clinically significant weight loss initially would improve long-term results.