Physical Activity Choices Everyday- A Pilot Study

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study aims to test two strategies for weight loss. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two 4-week weight loss programs: (1) a behavioral weight loss program that involves recording weekly weight, physical activity, and caloric intake plus daily exercises in which information about a healthy lifestyle is reviewed or (2) a behavioral weight loss program that involves recording weekly weight, physical activity, and caloric intake plus daily exercises in which descriptions of positive future events are reviewed. Throughout the study, participants will complete assessments that examine the effects of the interventions on delay discounting, physical activity, weight, and other important health and psychosocial outcomes.

Official Title
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Decisions About Exercise During Weight Loss: Pilot Study

Conditions
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Obesity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Behavioral Weight Loss + Future Thinking
* Behavioral: Behavioral Weight Loss + Healthy Thinking


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age between 18-70 Body Mass Index between 30-50 English Speaking Have a smartphone that can be used for study activities Exclusion Criteria: Report being unable to walk 2 blocks without stopping Are currently participating in weight loss treatment, have a history of bariatric surgery, or lost ≥5% in the past 6-months Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant within 2 months Report a heart condition, chest pain during periods of rest or activity, or loss of consciousness on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire Report a medical condition that could jeopardize their safety in a weight control program with diet and exercise guidelines History of or current traumatic brain injury, dementia or Alzheimer's disease; a history of Multiple Sclerosis, or other neurological disorders Report conditions that, in the judgment of the PI, would render them unlikely to follow the protocol (e.g., relocation, dementia, unable to read and write in English) Have no Internet access or unwilling to use personal smartphone for study.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Behavioral Weight Loss + Healthy Thinking<br>Participants will receive a 4-week behavioral weight loss intervention based on evidence-based weight loss strategies focused on diet, exercise, and behavioral skills. In this treatment, participants will be asked to read short passages related to nutrition and a healthy lifestyle through our study website twice a day for the duration of treatment. | Behavioral: Behavioral Weight Loss + Healthy Thinking<br>* Participants will receive a 4-week behavioral weight loss intervention based on evidence-based weight loss strategies focused on diet, exercise, and behavioral skills.<br>|
| Experimental: Behavioral Weight Loss + Future Thinking<br>Participants will receive a 4-week behavioral weight loss intervention based on evidence-based weight loss strategies focused on diet, exercise, and behavioral skills. In this treatment, participants will create descriptions of upcoming positive events and will be asked to read short passages through our study website at least twice a day for the duration of treatment. | Behavioral: Behavioral Weight Loss + Future Thinking<br>* Participants will receive a 4-week behavioral weight loss intervention based on evidence-based weight loss strategies focused on diet, exercise, and behavioral skills.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Physical Activity | Change in minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity measured via a waist worn accelerometer during 7 day time periods. | baseline and week 7 | 
| Delay Discounting | Change in delay discounting measured using a choice task. | baseline and week 7 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight | Weight change from baseline to post treatment | 4 weeks |