Tailored Worksite Weight Control Programs
Condition: Obesity
MeSH terms: Obesity
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Given the prevalence of overweight and obesity, worksite-based health promotion programs have
      been recommended due to their potential reach and social support impact. Within worksite
      contexts, many strategies to prevent and treat obesity have focused on educational programs
      delivered in person or to small groups that target knowledge acquisition and strategies
      targeted at individuals to improve their dietary and activity practices. These programs have
      been criticized because they typically reach a small percentage of workers-and seldom those
      that could benefit most, are of short duration, and have typically small effects that are not
      sustained. They have also typically been conducted in large worksites that have the greatest
      resources. The lack of success of these programs may be due to: 1) inadequate intervention
      intensity, 2) implementation challenges, and 3) a lack of theoretical models as the bases for
      intervention development. To overcome the limitations of previous research we will conduct a
      2 group randomized controlled trial to determine the reach and effectiveness of an extensive
      intervention that: (a) is based upon sound theory, (b) is delivered primarily through
      scalable interactive technologies, and (c) leverages the existing organizational and
      environmental context of the workplace.
    

Detailed description: 
      This study will test the utility of a social ecological theory, individually-targeted
      internet-based intervention with monetary incentives to reduce the weight of overweight and
      obese employees (INCENT) when compared to a low-intensity, internet-based weight loss program
      without incentives (Livin My Weigh). Participants in INCENT will receive daily e-mail support
      that facilitates goal setting, regular assessments of body weight, and incentives based on
      percent of original body weight lost at the end of each quarter over the 12-month program.
      The e-mail supports will target improving perceptions of self-efficacy and outcome
      expectations related to weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight. In addition e-mail
      support will facilitate participant problem solving and identification of resources for
      healthful eating and physical activity at home, in their neighborhoods, and at their
      worksite. Participants in Livin My Weigh (LMW)will receive evidence-based physical activity
      and nutrition information to facilitate weight loss through quarterly newsletters and
      quarterly educational sessions.
    

Intervention name(s): INCENT weight loss program; Livin My Weigh
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Tangible incentives seem to be effective in enhancing short term, but not long-term weight loss. The monetary rewards are based on participant quarterly weigh-ins and the monetary amount of incentive will be identical to the percentage of body weight lost. Participants who lose 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5% of their body weight will then be compensated with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 dollars per month. Dollar amounts for participants that lose more than 5% of initial body weight then increase by increments of 5 (e.g., 5-9% weight loss = $5; 10-14%=$10; 15-19%=$15; >20%=$20). These incentives will be based on quarterly weight and all percentage weight loss is calculated based on a participant's initial weight. commencement). Participants receive monthly checks that reflect the percent weight loss.; Livin My Weigh is an internet-delivered weight loss program without daily support or financial incentives. Participants receive quarterly newsletters with tips on weight loss, increasing physical activity, and menu suggestions, and optional quarterly educational sessions. Weight is measured in the same manner as the INCENT participants.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: Single (Participant)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Worksite; weight loss; obesity