Effect of an individually tailored one-year energy balance programme on body weight, body composition and lifestyle in recent retirees: a cluster randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background: The increased prevalence of overweight and obesity warrants preventive actions, particularly among people in transitional stages associated with lifestyle changes, such as occupational retirement. The purpose is to investigate the effect of a one year low-intensity computer-tailored energy balance programme among recent retirees on waist circumference, body weight and body composition, blood pressure, physical activity and dietary intake.

Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted among recent retirees (N = 413; mean age 59.5 years). Outcome measures were assessed using anthropometry, bio-impedance, blood pressure measurement and questionnaires.

Results: Waist circumference, body weight and blood pressure decreased significantly in men of the intervention and control group, but no significant between-group-differences were observed at 12 or at 24-months follow-up. A significant effect of the programme was only observed on waist circumference (-1.56 cm (95%CI: -2.91 to -0.21)) at 12 month follow up among men with low education (n = 85). Physical activity and dietary behaviours improved in both the intervention and control group during the intervention period. Although, these behaviours changed more favourably in the intervention group, these between-group-differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions: The multifaceted computer-tailored programme for recent retirees did not appear to be effective. Apparently the transition to occupational retirement and/or participation in the study had a greater impact than the intervention programme.

Trial registration: Clinical Trials NCT00122213.

Figure 1

Flowchart of all participants in the WAAG-Study. Please note that all participants included in the WAAG-Study are included in this flowchart. Results of the intervention effectiveness are only presented for men, because of low numbers of women.

Figure 2

Overview of the one-year intervention programme. Note: +2w = 2 weeks from baseline, +3 of +6 m = 3 or 6 months from baseline. Solid bars represent intervention modules that were sent to the intervention group over the course of the 12 m intervention period. No additional information related to diet, exercise or a healthy weight was provided between 12 m - 24 m follow-up period. Both intervention and control group received general newsletters (NL) to increase compliance at 24 m follow up.