Rapid Evaluation of Innovative Intervention Components to Maximize the Health Benefits of Behavioral Obesity Treatment Delivered Online: An Application of Multiphase Optimization Strategy

When delivered online, behavioral obesity treatments have the potential to reach large numbers of individuals with overweight/obesity and produce significant improvements in health and wellbeing. In order to maximize the public health benefit of disseminating these treatments online, this study will use the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework to most quickly and efficiently determine which, if any, of 5 innovative intervention components, alone or in combination, increases the proportion of patients achieving a ≥5% weight loss, and mean weight loss, after a 12-month online behavioral obesity treatment.

Decades of research have demonstrated that behavioral obesity treatments can produce clinically significant weight losses that improve health and disease risk/severity. However, these treatments have not been disseminated widely due to high costs and lack of qualified providers. The investigators therefore aim to develop and test a fully automated online obesity treatment that would produce clinically significant weight losses (i.e., ≥ 5 % of initial body weight) when delivered online. In order to maximize the public health impact of online obesity treatment, and advance the science of online behavioral intervention in general, it is imperative to evaluate innovative behavioral intervention components with the potential to optimize weight loss outcomes. Because digital health technology evolves rapidly, this research will use the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework to most quickly and efficiently determine which, if any, of 5 innovative intervention components, alone or in combination, increases the proportion of patients achieving a ≥5% weight loss, and mean weight loss, of the online Rx Weight loss (RxWL) program at 12- months. The 5 intervention components to be tested are: (a) Web-based virtual reality intervention for training in basic behavioral weight loss skills; tailored interactive intervention targeting (b) structured physical activity and (c) dysregulated eating; (d) a platform for social interaction including opportunities for friendly competition, and (e) interactive video feedback with content tailored to the unique needs of each participant and a focus on dietary skills. A sample of 384 individuals with BMI ≥ 25 will be randomized to receive RxWL and 0-5 of the experimental intervention components in a full factorial experiment. This design will allow the investigators to determine which intervention components maximize weight loss and whether there are favorable combinations of components. In addition, by evaluating the effects of each component on proximal outcomes (i.e., mediators) it will be possible learn not only which components are (or are not) effective but also why or how they exert their effects. This project advances the science of behavioral obesity treatment, and will directly impact the care of patients receiving RxWL.

Eligibility Criteria:
* English language fluent and literate at the 6th grade level
* Body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 50 kg/m-squared
* Able to walk 2 city blocks without stopping
* Not currently participating in another weight loss program
* Not currently taking weight loss medication
* Has not lost ≥5% of body weight in the 6 months prior to enrolling
* Has not been pregnant within the 6 months prior to enrolling
* Does not plan to become pregnant within 12 months of enrolling
* Denies having a heart condition, chest pain during periods of activity or rest, or loss of consciousness in the 12 months prior to enrolling
* Denies any medical condition that would affect the safety of participating in unsupervised physical activity
* Denies any condition that would result in inability to follow the study protocol, including terminal illness, substance abuse, eating disorder (not including Binge Eating Disorder) and untreated major psychiatric illness