Treating obesity with a novel hand-held device, computer software program, and Internet technology in primary care: the SMART motivational trial

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term motivational effect of a technology-based weight reduction program for obese adults.

Methods: One hundred and eleven obese (37.0+/-5.8 kg/m(2)) middle aged (45.5+/-10.8 years) adults (62% female) were randomly assigned to a usual care or experimental (SMART: self-monitoring and resting metabolic rate technology) group. The usual care group received a standard nutritional program in accordance to national guidelines. All participants received a comprehensive weight management program consisting of motivational interviewing (MI) sessions and automated e-mail behavioral newsletters. Bodyweight, arterial blood pressure, and psychobehavioral constructs were assessed over 12 weeks.

Results: Completer analysis (n=80) indicated a significant improvement in bodyweight (-3.9%), systolic arterial pressure (-4 mmHg), and all motivational constructs following the 12-week study (p<or=.05). However, there were no significant differences between groups at any time period.

Conclusion: Based on these data, a 12-week comprehensive weight reduction program consisting of MI and automated e-mail behavioral newsletters with or without SMART is efficacious in treating obese adults.

Practice implications: Although both treatment programs were equally effective, clinicians should consider a treatment program that meets the need of the patient. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00750022.