Randomized Controlled Trial of a Novel Lifestyle Intervention Used With or Without Meal Replacements in Work Sites

Authors

Sai Krupa Das
Rachel E Silver
Taylor A Vail
Meghan K Chin
Caroline M Blanchard
Stephanie L Dickinson
Xiwei Chen
Lisa Ceglia
Edward Saltzman
David B Allison
Susan B Roberts

Language

English

Publication Date

2-1-2023

Journal

Obesity

DOI

10.1002/oby.23636

PMID

36695057

PMCID

PMC10184298

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

2-1-2024

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

Objective: Lifestyle interventions have had limited effectiveness in work sites when evaluated in randomized trials. This study assessed the effectiveness of a novel lifestyle intervention for weight loss (Healthy Weight for Living [HWL]) implemented with or without meal replacements (MR) in work sites. HWL used a new behavioral approach emphasizing reducing hunger and building healthy food preferences, and, unlike traditional lifestyle interventions, it did not require calorie counting.

Methods: Twelve work sites were randomized to an 18-month intervention (n = 8; randomization within work sites to HWL, HWL + MR) or 6-month wait-listed control (n = 4). Participants were employees with overweight or obesity (N = 335; age = 48 [SD 10] years; BMI = 33 [6] kg/m2 ; 83% female). HWL was group-delivered in person or by videoconference. The primary outcome was 6-month weight change; secondary outcomes included weight and cardiometabolic risk factors measured at 6, 12, and 18 months in intervention groups.

Results: Mean 6-month weight change was -8.8% (95% CI: -11.2% to -6.4%) for enrollees in HWL and -8.0% (-10.4% to -5.5%) for HWL + MR (p < 0.001 for both groups vs. controls), with no difference between interventions (p = 0.40). Clinically meaningful weight loss (≥5%) was maintained at 18 months in both groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: A new lifestyle intervention approach, deliverable by videoconference with or without MR, supported clinically impactful weight loss in employees.

Keywords

Humans, Female, Middle Aged, Male, Obesity, Life Style, Overweight, Weight Loss, Meals

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Das, Sai Krupa; Silver, Rachel E; Vail, Taylor A; et al., "Randomized Controlled Trial of a Novel Lifestyle Intervention Used With or Without Meal Replacements in Work Sites" (2023). Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications. 212.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/staff_pub/212