Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a simple weight loss intervention, based on principles of habit formation.
Design: An exploratory trial in which overweight and obese adults were randomized either to a habit- based intervention condition ( with two subgroups given weekly vs monthly weighing; n = 33, n = 36) or to a waiting- list control condition ( n = 35) over 8 weeks. Intervention participants were followed up for 8 months.
Participants: A total of 104 adults ( 35 men, 69 women) with an average BMI of 30.9 kgm(-2).
Intervention: Intervention participants were given a leaflet containing advice on habit formation and simple recommendations for eating and activity behaviours promoting negative energy balance, together with a self- monitoring checklist.
Main outcome measures: Weight change over 8 weeks in the intervention condition compared with the control condition and weight loss maintenance over 32 weeks in the intervention condition.
Results: At 8 weeks, people in the intervention condition had lost significantly more weight ( mean = 2.0 kg) than those in the control condition ( 0.4 kg), with no difference between weekly and monthly weighing subgroups. At 32 weeks, those who remained in the study had lost an average of 3.8 kg, with 54% losing 5% or more of their body weight. An intention- to- treat analysis ( based on last- observation- carried- forward) reduced this to 2.6 kg, with 26% achieving a 5% weight loss.
Conclusions: This easily disseminable, low- cost, simple intervention produced clinically significant weight loss. In limited resource settings it has potential as a tool for obesity management.