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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2010 Jan;11(1):11-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2009.08.002. Epub 2009 Aug 15.

Group versus individual phone-based obesity treatment for rural women

Christie A Befort  1 , Joseph E Donnelly, Debra K Sullivan, Edward F Ellerbeck, Michael G Perri
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Group versus individual phone-based obesity treatment for rural women

Christie A Befort et al. Eat Behav. 2010 Jan.

Abstract

Rural women have among the highest rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyle, yet few studies have examined strategies for delivering state-of-the-art obesity treatment to hard-to-reach rural areas. The purpose of this pilot trial was to examine the impact and cost-effectiveness of a 6-month behavioral weight loss program delivered to rural women by phone either one-on-one with a counselor or to a group via conference call. Thirty-four rural women (mean BMI=34.4, SD=4.6) were randomized to group phone-based treatment or individual phone-based treatment. Completers analysis showed that weight loss was greater in the group condition (mean=14.9 kg=, SD=4.4) compared to the individual condition (mean=9.5 kg, SD=5.2; p=.03). Among the total sample, 62% of participants in the group condition achieved the 10% weight loss goal compared to 50% in the individual condition, and group treatment was found to be more cost-effective. Future research is warranted to examine the benefits of group phone-based treatment for long-term management of obesity among rural populations.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

Dr. Donnelly has received grants and products, and Dr. Befort received products for the current study, from Health Management Resources Corporation. All other authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow of participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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