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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2015 Dec;23(12):2398-405.
doi: 10.1002/oby.21265.

A randomized trial testing the efficacy of a novel approach to weight loss among men with overweight and obesity

Melissa M Crane  1 , Lesley D Lutes  2 , Dianne S Ward  3 , J Michael Bowling  1 , Deborah F Tate  1   3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A randomized trial testing the efficacy of a novel approach to weight loss among men with overweight and obesity

Melissa M Crane et al. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015 Dec.

Abstract

Objective: To test the efficacy of a weight loss intervention designed to appeal to men.

Methods: A randomized trial tested the efficacy of the Rethinking Eating and FITness (REFIT) weight loss program compared to a wait-list control. The 6-month intervention was delivered via two face-to-face sessions followed by Internet contacts. REFIT encouraged participants to create calorie deficits by making six 100-calorie changes to their eating daily while increasing physical activity, and the program encouraged customization through selection of specific diet strategies evaluated each week.

Results: Participants (N = 107, 44.2 years, 31.4 kg/m(2) , 76.6% white) were randomized into the study, and 90.6% provided data at 6 months. REFIT participants lost -5.0 kg (95% CI: -6.1, -3.9) at 3 months, which was maintained through 6 months (-5.3 kg, 95% CI: -6.5, -4.2); this was greater than the control group (p < 0.001; 6 months: -0.6, 95% CI: -1.8, 0.5). More REFIT participants (49%) achieved a 5% weight loss than control participants (19%; OR 9.4; 95% CI: 3.2, 27.4). An average of 11.2 (±2.7) of 13 of the online intervention contacts were completed.

Conclusions: The novel REFIT intervention produced clinically significant weight losses. This approach holds promise as an alternative to traditional behavioral therapy for men.

Keywords: behavioral therapy; men; weight loss.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Dr. Deborah Tate receives personal fees as a scientific advisor for Weight Watchers International.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. CONSORT Diagram
Figure 2
Figure 2
Weight loss by group and time
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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