A pilot study evaluating a minimal contact telephone and mail weight management intervention for primary care patients.

K N Boutelle, P Dubbert, M Vander Weg

Journal: Eating and weight disorders : EWD 2006;10(1):e1-5

PMID: 16682848

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

This study examined an 8-week telephone and mail weight management intervention for Veterans who are unable to attend frequent clinical visits.

METHODS

A mail and phone based intervention was compared to a "usual care" intervention in a Hospital clinic. 26 participants (80% male; mean wt=246.2 lbs, BMI=34.7) completed the study. All participants received weight management counseling at weeks 1 and 8. Participants in the intervention group received phone calls and mailings during weeks 2-7.

RESULTS

The intervention group lost more weight, although it was not statistically significant. Multivariate analyses showed stage of change was associated with weight loss and attendance. Treatment group and role limitations due to emotional problems were related to weight loss. The intervention group significantly increased their intake of fruits and vegetables.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study suggests that minimal interventions may be a method to reach populations that do not have access to more intensive treatments for weight management.

Address: University of Minnesota, Department of Pediatrics, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1007/BF03354659

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/obesity.html

MeSH Terms: Exercise, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Health Services Accessibility, Hospitals, Veterans, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Multivariate Analysis, Obesity, Pilot Projects, Postal Service, Primary Health Care, Reminder Systems, Telephone, Treatment Outcome, United States, Weight Loss